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#Post#: 82702--------------------------------------------------
Ken Leach
DIR By: TVOS
Date: September 12, 2024, 3:11 pm
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I don't think this has been posted yet, but sad news about
former FL referee Ken Leach.
HTML https://twitter.com/FA_PGMOL/status/1833529620831858880
For those not on X:
"It is with sadness that we share the passing of Ken Leach
following an illness.
A long-standing and valued member of the PGMOL family, Ken was a
Football League official from 1984-2000 before stepping into his
role with us as an observer.
Our thoughts are with Ken’s loved ones and everyone who knew him
during this difficult time ❤️"
#Post#: 82705--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ken Leach
DIR By: ryan80
Date: September 12, 2024, 3:36 pm
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That's sad news, I remember seeing Ken referee in the 90's.
Always a very reasoned official who would only use his cards
when necessary - I seem to remember that he was based in
Wolverhampton.
Like TVOS has said thoughts with his family - I believe he was
72.
#Post#: 82708--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ken Leach
DIR By: Whistleblower
Date: September 13, 2024, 5:04 am
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I remember Ken Leach. A solid and somewhat undemonstrative
referee who got on with his officiating quietly and with a
minimum fuss to safely deliver his matches. I don't think he got
any major honours in the game but I'm sure he was appreciated as
a dependable official who attracted little controversy. Judging
by his entry in Upton, it looks as if he made the National List
quite late, at about forty, assuming he went on to the normal
retirement age. I guess when he died he would have been in his
early seventies. Condolences to his family, friends and all who
mourn his passing.
#Post#: 82712--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ken Leach
DIR By: John Treleven
Date: September 13, 2024, 8:32 am
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Kenneth "Ken" Arthur LEACH (January 1952 - September 2024, aged
72)
Codsall, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire
F.L. Referee 1992/3 - 1999/0
Birth registered in the West Bromwich Reg. District
Nephew of Sam Leach, Secretary of Birmingham R.A. and long time
official with the Birmingham Festival Sunday League
who encouraged him into officiating in his early 20s when he
became disillusioned with playing. Sam was presented
in 1997 with both a 50 year long service medal from the F.A. and
40 year medal by the Birmingham F.A.
Ken then spent about 15 years refereeing Sunday, Southern and
Conference matches as well as
serving as a F.L. linesman from June 1984 until becoming a F.L.
referee after 8 years on the line.
A police officer at Wednesfield he married Gillian Elaine
Moorhouse (b June 1956) in Q1 1978
and in 1985 they had twin sons Russell and Stuart.
In his last year on the line he had to step in at half time to
referee the televised F.A. Cup 5th Round replay
on Wednesday 26th February 1992 at Anfield when Alf Buksh pulled
a groin muscle, Liverpool won 3-2 v Ipswich Town.
He himself was replaced in the second half of Cardiff City v
Mansfield Town on Saturday 30th September 1995
when a player ran in to him and he was concussed and stretchered
off. Cardiff City won 3-0.
Leach was 4th official to Clive Wilkes for the Football League
Trophy final at Wembley on Sunday 18th April 1999
when Wigan Athletic beat Millwall by the only goal of the game
scored in the third added minute in front of 55,349.
His final F.L. match was a lower mid table Championship game at
Prenton Park, Tranmere watched by 8,891
which Crystal Palace won 2-1 to finish 15th, two places below
their hosts.
After "retirement" he continued in the game as an
assessor/observer.
#Post#: 82713--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ken Leach
DIR By: Whistleblower
Date: September 13, 2024, 10:10 am
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I notice that he was 4th Official at the Football League Trophy
Final at Wembley towards the end of his Football League career.
By then, I think it was standard practice to give most FL
'toilers' who had given good service and not attracted bad
publicity, a match at Wembley as this was seen as a pinnacle of
a match official's career.
#Post#: 82719--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ken Leach
DIR By: Boz
Date: September 13, 2024, 1:51 pm
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His final F.L. match was a lower mid table Championship game at
Prenton Park, Tranmere watched by 8,891
which Crystal Palace won 2-1 to finish 15th, two places below
their hosts.
Thanks John Treleven, hadn't appreciated but I was at Mr Leach's
final FL game.
As Whistleblower indicates above, a safe pair of hands. I'd seen
him in action a few times back in the day.
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