Former Essex County FA Chairperson, Richard “Dicky” Brooks, sadly passed away on Thursday 6th January, peacefully at home.

Dicky was a wonderful character and servant to grassroots football. First joining the Essex County FA Council in 1975, as a Group Officer for the London Boroughs, he became a Life Member in 1996 and was Chairman of the association from 2000 to 2003.

He continued to serve on Council beyond that period, contributing to many worthwhile discussions, as well as serving grassroots football through roles with the Romford & District, South Essex Sunday and Essex Veterans Leagues. Dicky was also a former Class One match official, a founder member of the Barking & Dagenham Referees Society and a match observer.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences have been shared, and all of Dicky’s family, friends, colleagues and loved ones are in the association’s thoughts at this very difficult time. Dicky was a true ambassador of football and will be sorely missed by the football family.