TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Petersfield man respected for his sporting knowledge and enthusiasm, despite having never played any game.

Brian Hall was born at his parent’s home in Noreuil Road on February 24, 1939, and died aged 77 on January 2 in the same house, having lived there all his life.

During his life the former Portsmouth Grammer School student enjoyed his involvement with local football and cricket clubs.

His friend and fellow sports enthusiast Colin ‘Codge’ Greetham said: “His love of sport started when he watched Petersfield Town Boys play with his dad, who was the club secretary.

“When the team moved up to the senior club Brian did as well, and was the club linesman for years.

“The long raincoat and wellington boots he wore as a touch judge made him a very recognisable figure to visiting players.

“He was also Petersfield United’s treasurer and match secretary until 1990, when he moved to Rogate Football Club. But he never once played football or cricket.”

Brian, a solicitors clerk in Petersfield, was also a popular first team umpire at Petersfield Cricket Club; well known for his humour, which came to the fore after a match.

Mr Greetham said: “Cricket was his first love, and after a match he became the life and soul, singing songs such as his favourite, the Green Green Grass of Home.

“He was also known for his impersonation of a bag pipe player, using a wooden chair as the bag pipes.”

Brian also umpired for Hindhead Cricket Club, and was at various times, scorer, umpire, secretary and treasurer at Harting Cricket Club.

He also umpired evening games, and for teams like the Hampshire Stragglers; as a cricketing tourist he was known at South Coast clubs from Devon to Kent

Last September aged 77 he came out of retirement to umpire a mid-week game, and afterwards entertained the players with songs.

Mr Greetham said: “Sadly it was his last performance; who would have thought the boy who watched his friends play football would have such an impact, devoting his life to the benefit of local clubs, he will be missed by many people.”

There will be a memorial service at St Peters Church at 2pm, Wednesday, January 24, with a wake afterward at Petersfield Football Club in Love Lane.