HAMPSHIRE FA has lost its longest serving member.

Peter Raynbird, who was affectionately known by many as Mr Football, has died, aged 95.

He had served Hampshire FA, as well as the North Hants Divisional FA, for the last 55 years, most recently as the group's more senior Life Vice President and was well known and very popular in local football circles across Hampshire.

Peter also served the Basingstoke & District Football League for an incredible 66 years before retiring in 2019. He had been press secretary since 1954 and until fairly recently submitted his match reports to the Daily Echo's sister paper the Basingstoke Gazette.

His retirement didn’t last long and Peter was proud to be elected as President of Basingstoke Town Community Football Club in 2019 and he continued to support the club at home matches, including the club’s first game at Winklebury Football Complex in October 2020.

Peter’s legacy will continue to live on and his contribution to football will be celebrated by the thousands of players, coaches, officials and referees who he helped support during his outstanding service to the game in Hampshire.

Peter’s daughter Vanessa has been heavily involved in women's football in Hampshire for many years. She was a Women's FA Cup winner with Southampton and was a long standing manager then Director of Football at Portsmouth.