Tributes are being paid to Charlton Athletic legend Derek Ufton after his death on Saturday, aged 92.
The remarkable sportsman made 277 appearances across 10 years for the Addicks, as well becoming a legendary cricketer for Kent, making 149 appearances.
England's oldest ever international was a one-club man in both sports, playing centre-back and wicket keeper.
Derek died peacefully in his sleep on March 27 at 92 years old.
Appearing for Cahrlton between the 1949/50 and 1959/60 seasons, his performances led him to international recognition in 1953 when he won an England cap, representing his country at Wembley against a team from the Rest of Europe.
He then actually served as a club director for 25 years, and he was a regular at The Valley until lockdown prevented him from attending games in 2020.
Born in Crayford on 31 May 1928, Ufton won a scholarship to Dartford Grammar School.
He also unusually dislocated his shoulder no less than 20 times during his playing days, most famously during an epic 7:6 win versus Huddersfield in 1957 which saw him taken to a Greenwich hospital.
After retiring from playing both sports, Ufton served as Plymouth Argyle manager for three years between 1965 and 1968, taking charge of 115 games in total.
Fellow Charlton legend and club ambassador, Keith Peacock, paid his tributes.
“I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him,” he said.
“He was a wonderful man and a gentleman - thoughtful, kind and very intelligent.
“Derek was so unique in that there were very few people who could play at a very high level in football or cricket and he managed both, which shows you what an all-round sportsman he was.
“He had so many stories that he could remember, even until recently, and he was just interesting to speak to. He also always had his opinion on the players of today, particularly the centre-halves!
“It was an honour just to be around him and to have him be such a big part of Charlton and he will always be remembered.”
The club added that the thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Derek’s family at this difficult time.
A statement from Kent meanwhile said: 'He and wife Judy were very regular visitors to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence from their home in Eltham, and all the many people who wanted to stop and talk to him were greeted with a cheery smile and a tremendous fund of stories. Kent will be a much poorer place without him.
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