Obituary: Kenny Ritchie, former footballer, 63

TRIBUTES have been paid to Kenny Ritchie, a former player, coach and committee member at Musselburgh Windsor Football Club, who has died at the age of 63.

Kenny Ritchie was born in 1947 in Edinburgh and was a pupil at Musselburgh Grammar School.

He first signed as a player for Musselburgh Windsor FC in 1962 and was a player with the under-16s and under-17s. He later formed Eskside Boys Club which amalgamated with Deantown BC. Following an invitation from friend Frank Duncan, Mr Ritchie returned to Windsor as a committee member in 1978 and his involvement continued for the rest of his life.

Former club chairman Scott Robertson said: "There's a real sense that we've not just lost someone who used to help us but a really good friend as well.

"He'll be remembered here as a true gentleman, almost like a peacemaker at times."

Mr Ritchie was a coach of the under-13s and among his players was John Clark, who famously scored for Dundee United in their UEFA Cup Final defeat at the hands of IFK Gothenburg in 1987.

He was a dedicated football man who never married and he took on roles that benefited the club as a whole. Many former Windsor coaches recall him as one of the main driving forces behind the popular Tote and he was regularly out round the pubs of Musselburgh collecting Tote tickets and money for fundraising.

He became President of the Edinburgh and District Youth League and he provided a trophy, the Ken Ritchie Cup, which is still competed for today. In the 22 years the trophy has existed, Mr Ritchie attended every final to make the presentation.

He fulfilled many roles for Musselburgh Windsor, starting in 1983 when he was elected as general treasurer. He went on to take positions including vice-president, auditor and tournament controller, honorary president and sponsor. He completed a record 23 years at the top table in 2006 when he stood down from the role as general secretary.

He became the under-13s team sponsor and the logo of the software company he ran with his brother Stuart - Drummohr Technology - first appeared on a set of strips. Mr Ritchie continued to back this team over several seasons, up to under 19s.

In 2008, the club paid homage to him by organising a tribute dinner at the Quay in Musselburgh. The sell-out night saw Billy Brown of Hearts, former Scotland manager Craig Brown and many friends and former colleagues enjoy a wonderful night.

Following a car accident in 2009, Mr Ritchie, a keen hill walker, was notably absent from Windsor. He had been expected to attend the club's tournament on August 8.

The tournament has been renamed The Kenny Ritchie Festival of Football.

Mr Ritchie died on July 29 and a funeral service took place at Seafield Crematorium on Tuesday.