TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of Knowle’s match secretary Ronald Crane.
Crane, who served as the club’s first team match secretary for the last three years, died on Saturday, May 10.
He had been involved in non-league football for a number of years spanning many decades.
Also known as ‘Father Ron’, Crane was club chaplain at Moor Green throughout the 1990s.
He remained with the club following the formation of Solihull Moors in 2007.
Crane later became match secretary at Knowle and doubled up as the club’s PA announcer.
Knowle posted a tribute to Crane on their website.
The tribute reads: “It is with the deepest sorrow Knowle FC must share the sad news of the passing of Ronald Crane.
“For the last three years, Ron has been the men’s first team match secretary, but his time in football extends over many decades, many clubs and touched many people.
“His dedication and passion for football were beyond question.
“His warmth of welcome to visiting teams and officials, along with the ever-present biscuits ensured he was well known and liked within the football community.
“His dry and, at times, wicked sense of humour, was matched only by his attention to detail and sense of right and wrong.
“He was, to all at the club, a larger-than-life character. The perfect example of a person who without which , the game of football would be unable to function, nor be as rich as it is.
“Ron’s passing will leave a massive hole in our lives and hearts.
“But most importantly of all, our condolences, our thoughts, and our deepest love go to his family. You shared Ron with us, and we are forever in your debt.”
Solihull Moors also posted a tribute to Crane.
Moors’ tribute reads: “Solihull Moors FC are saddened to hear of the passing of Fr. Ronald Crane on Saturday, May 10.
“Ronald, also known as ‘Father Ron’, had been club chaplain at Moor Green from the 1990’s and continued to hold this position following the formation of Solihull Moors in 2007.
“He would later go on to become matchday secretary of Solihull Moors Reserves with his duties including driving the players to matches across the midlands in the club minibus.
“In more recent years, he continued in the role of matchday secretary with both Solihull United and Knowle FC, where he also doubled up his duties as PA Announcer.
“He has also been a club representative of the Midland Football League in recent years, acting as a point of support for any clubs that reached out for it.
“Solihull Moors send their condolences to the family and friends of Ronald.”
