Minute's applause to honour popular referee Cliff

Cliff Trickett, a stalwart of numerous grassroots leagues in Lancashire, passed away on Sunday.

He was 64.

Clubs are being invited to hold a minute’s applause before matches this weekend to pay respects to Cliff, who lived near Garstang.

Barry Cropp, Referee Appointments Officer for the West Lancashire League, said: "The league was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of one of our popular referees, Cliff Trickett.

“Popular isn't a word usually associated with referees, but Cliff broke the mould. Wherever he officiated, the West Lancashire League, North Lancashire League, or the Lancashire Sunday League, he was welcomed with open arms, and was genuinely liked by everyone.

“A warm and jovial chap, Cliff was still wanting to learn and improve, joining the West Lancashire League in 2018 to challenge himself further.

“Only recently, we saw him at our training meeting, bantering with his colleagues and contributing to the group with his knowledge and experience.

“Cliff will be missed deeply by everyone associated with the league, our clubs and our referees.

“I would personally like to thank all of the clubs for their messages of condolence received so far.

“In honour of Cliff, a minute’s applause will take place before all of this weekend's matches.”

Cliff was due to referee Thornton Cleveleys v Tempest United in Division One Reserve on Saturday.

Thornton Cleveleys FC tweeted: “Some devastating news and so sad to hear, but Cliff Trickett who was due to referee our reserve game this coming Saturday has suddenly passed away, all at TCFC would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Cliff’s family and friends at this deeply sad time.”

Tony Hesketh, manager of Fulwood Amateurs, said: “Cliff was a top referee and a real gentleman. He will be sadly missed around the football pitches of Preston and beyond.

“He was one of those faces you would see around the grounds and he always had a smile on his face, always had time for a word or two.”

Eamonn McNamara, Chairman of Preston Referees Society, said: “Cliff refereed four separate cup finals on the Lancashire Sunday League and was named Referee of the Year in 2015-16.

“Cliff was just the nicest guy you could wish to meet and also a very good referee. He was your go-to guy if you had a tricky fixture that needed refereeing – he was your man.

“His popularity was indicated by the responses we’ve had since he passed away. We will miss him greatly.”

A minute’s silence will be also held during matches in the Lancashire Sunday League this weekend.