Penticost's shock death

He had joined Ifield Edwards this season in County League Division 3. They postponed their match on Saturday in response to the news.

His burial will be in a funeral on Friday, October 19, at All Saints Church, Roffey at 1.30pm. A gathering will follow for all at Horsham YMCA Football Club, Gorings Mead, from 3-7pm.

See the Herald for how this popular man's death impacted on the Swans team on Saturday.

The news was broken next day on the Storrington Football Club website by striker Dan Griffin.

Among the things he said were:

"Russell left the club in the summer and became the manager at Ifield Edwards FC, but he remained a hugely popular figure at Storrington, and his passing will hit many of us at the club extremely hard. The countless players, officials and supporters he could count as friends after a lifetime in football, will likewise find this news difficult to take in.

"At a time like this the nerves and energy we all expend on local football seem way over the top. But never did a man love the game as much as Russell did, and he wouldn't have it any other way."

You can leave your tributes below, after this story.

Here is a sample of some tributes in reaction, left on the Nomad website forum County League section in the past days:

"Terrible sad news. Someone who always put everything into the game. Will be a big loss for Sussex Football, a good character with his own opinions. Thoughts are with his family. This will effect a lot of clubs in the County League."

Martin Gander

Manager, Lancing FC

"In total shock when I recieved this news. A manager and a friend that I had the upmost respect for, always willing to offer his help and support and always a smile on his face. You will be sorely missed by one and all.

"Heartfelt condolences from everyone involved with Rustington FC.Our thoughts are of course with Gill and family.

"Russell always touched me with his comments to the local press also, never a care in the world, I remember his comments following a couple of wins last season, I quote 'These six points have taken the presure off us, but I don't understand any of this. It's a cranky, silly league. Everybody's inconsistent.'"

Gareth Davies

Manager, Rustington FC

"I think Griff has summed it up on our website, thank you from all of us at Storrington FC for the kind words and our thoughts are with his family at this moment.

"On a personal note, having played for Russ about 17 years ago and having spoken recently to him, all I would say is that local football has lost a proper football man who put as much into the game as anyone I know."

Jon Chalaye

Joint-manager, Storrington FC

"I have to say that Russell has to be the nicest person I have met in the Sussex Football scene. Football was his life, his passion. He was at every game, every training session, every U18s match.

"Also, he would offer to help me with the Reserves, whether it was running the line or just filling water bottles. He would do anything.

Russell put 100% into football and more, and never expected anything back, and the same can be said for Gill.

"He helped take the club to another level. He came to Storrington FC with the club struggling to field two teams, and turned Storrington into a club with three teams and an Under-18s.

"He is a big loss to football in Sussex, because there just aren't that many people like that around anymore.

"What I liked most about him was he was a real gentleman, always laughing, and joy to be around, and I'm just pleased to have known him.

My condolences to Gill and his family from all at Storrington FC."

Nigel Dyer

Assistant manager, Storrington FC

"Here's the best way to sum Russell up from my dealings with him: he was, is, and will remain, Storrington Football Club. No matter what the club achieves from here.

"His last few months at the club were spent working under enormous pressure with lack of players and rumours circulating about the future, yet he remained dignified and as committed as ever.

"Just before the season started, I had a long conversation with him and rather than be resentful or bitter over the previous months' events he offered advice and support, and left me in no doubt that we were looking after something that he had worked unbelievably hard to achieve.

"That's the reaction of a real football person, and a real and good man.

"We will endeavour to look after 'YOUR' club, Russell, and if we earn half the affection, respect and admiration that the whole place has for you and Gill, then we will have achieved more than we could have dreamed of.

"Our thoughts are with Gill, and Russell's family."

Eamonn Searle

Joint-manager, Storrington FC

"Andy (Gander] and I have just been chatting about it and likewise are in shock that one of the friendliest and loyal faces in Sussex football has left us.

"Our sincere condolences from everyone at Wealden FC."

Dean Bradford

Asst Manager, Wealden FC