Popular football official Jack Hayward has been elected as president of the Essex County Football Association.

Mr Hayward, 82, was unanimously elected to replace Hugh Ashton, who stood down last month, in the county FA's top position.

He said: "This is not just an honour for me but for all of us as a district. The position goes round more frequently these days - people usually hold it for a couple of years.

"It is regarded as recognition to their service to the county and Essex football."

Mr Hayward, who lives in Dovercourt with his wife Sheila, was an FA Council member at Lancaster Gate for 15 years and after leaving his position became an honorary member of the FA.

There are only 11 such members, all of whom have "made a significant contribution to football" and they include playing greats such as Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Stanley Matthews.

Mr Hayward wrote for the Gazette's sister paper, the Harwich and Manningtree Standard, for a total of 39 years. His Jottings by Junior column ended in 1987.

A former player with Harwich and Parkeston, Ramsey and Parkeston Railway, his off-field service to the game began back in 1936 when he was assistant secretary for junior club Exiles in Harwich.

During the Second World War he served in the Royal Navy but was soon back earning more football honours.

His other positions include being president of the Clacton and District Sunday League and president of the Harwich Charity Cup competitions. He is also a life member of Harwich and Parkeston FC.

Outside football, Mr Hayward enjoys gardening, swimming and walking.

President Jack - Popular official Jack Hayward

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