Tributes paid to Clarrie

FOOTBALL: OLDHAM amateur football has lost a loyal servant with the death of Clarrie Newman at the age of 68.

Clarrie, who lived in Chadderton, contributed greatly to the local soccer scene for many years and was registration secretary of the Oldham Sunday League for the best part of 26 years.

He was also one of the key figures at Freehold FC, where he held the position of secretary during the club’s time as one of the major forces in North-West Sunday football.

Oldham Sunday League fixtures secretary Keith Dennis said: “I am shocked to lose a good mate and he will be sadly missed in the world of amateur football and by all who knew him.”

Val Broadbent, league secretary, added: “It’s very sad news, Clarrie was a lovely man.

“He helped me an awful lot when I started in this role six years ago. He always said if I needed help I should ring him.

“Despite his ill health he still stayed on the committee because he loved it and wanted to be involved.

“His impact on Freehold FC and the league as a whole was massive.”

Clarrie’s funeral takes place on Tuesday at Oldham Crematorium, Hollinwood, at 3.30pm.