The Toolstation NCEL is saddened to report the passing of vice-president Ronald Skidmore, one month shy of his 89th birthday.

Joining our Management Board in 1990, Ron was instrumental in helping the development of many match officials and assessors over a number of years.

Amongst them was Howard Webb who, on being appointed to officiate the 2010 World Cup Final, personally thanked Ron for all the help and guidance given in his early years as a referee.

All of the NCEL would like to pay tribute to Ron for his decades of service to the league and to football as a whole and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Details of his funeral will be announced when known.