TRIBUTES have been paid to popular former footballer and cribbage player Vic Jones, from Littledean, who passed away last month.

Vic was 69 when he passed away at home on September 26, having suffered from a short but serious bout of cancer.

A former Littledean Star FC clubman, having held the positions of chairman, vice-chairman and secretary over many years, Vic was heralded by his teammates in both football and crib – which he played at Littledean House Hotel – and had won the men’s singles competition in the Forest crib league this season.

Vic had also turned out for Gravesend and Northfleet, having been an apprentice in the area in 1963, when they played Sunderland in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

A number of Vic’s teammates from both sports attended his funeral and wake on Friday, October 23.

“He was a really popular guy,” said Colin Keyse, Vic’s crib captain.

“He’d won the men’s singles competition, but couldn’t collect his trophy because the presentation happened after his death. There was always laughter on his table.

“He must have been playing for around 45 years and he played football for a long time too.

“He was one of those people who would do anything he could to help. If there was a meeting and there wasn’t anyone who could go he’d volunteer.”

John Nelmes, chairman of the Forest of Dean crib league, added: “He was a very good competitor.

“He and I had a bit of a rivalry over the years and he was very well-liked.”

Rob Ryder, Vic’s brother-in-law, played alongside him at Littledean Star as well as him being a committee member for several years.

“He was very much the same as a footballer as he was in life; if you needed something done and he could do it, then he would do it for you,” Rob said.

“He was always willing to help out with marking the pitch and anything that needed doing. Vic was never in any trouble with anyone and no one ever said a bad word about him.

“He wasn’t necessarily the best footballer, but he was a fantastic clubman. Without people like Vic, sports clubs wouldn’t exist. He was selfless and willing to do what needed to be done.”