Cambridge ace Legge leads tributes to Ken

Cambridge United defender Legge played his youth football with Common before progressing to the Football League with Brentford and Gillingham via several non-league clubs.

Legge wrote on social media site Twitter: “So sad to hear the passing of a true gent that is Ken Cherry, played a massive part in my development as a youngster. #LittleCommonFc”

A number of other prominent local football figures were also quick to praise Ken and express their sadness at his passing on Twitter.

Former Hastings Town/United player and manager Terry White wrote: “very sad the true ‘one club man’ and a true gentleman”

Peter Heritage, formerly of Sidley United and Bexhill United, wrote: “Devastating news and words cannot describe how much this man means to me X”

Jamie Crone, Common’s 20-goal leading scorer this season, wrote: “So distraught to hear Ken Cherry pass away. He was a huge part of my football development and helped me massively. I appreciate everything”

Goalkeeper coach Steve Smithers wrote: “My heart goes out to all Ken’s family, friends and everyone at Little Common. Ken was a true gentleman, a legend and will be missed greatly”

Former Westfield player/joint manager Tony Harris wrote: “Deepest sympathies to all at Little Common and Ken’s family. RIP”

Ex-Bexhill United and Sidley United player Ben White wrote: “Sussex football has lost a giant, a top man who loved the game & did so much for so many of us that grew up playing locally.”

Eastbourne United AFC manager Tobi Hutchinson wrote: “Devastating news for LCFC and Sussex football as a whole. Never been a more genuine caring football man than Ken. So much time for this man, he will be sorely missed. God bless.”

Little Common player Stuart Collier wrote: “So much respect for Ken. It was a pleasure knowing you. Condolences to his family and friends. We will do you proud.”

Other Sussex football clubs such as Crawley Down Gatwick, Eastbourne Town, Lancing and Peacehaven & Telscombe - whose own chairman Brian Suckling passed away last week - offered their condolences.

The tributes, in fact, extended beyond the football community because the town’s leading cricket clubs also expressed their sympathy.

Bexhill CC wrote: “Our condolences to the family of Ken Cherry & all those @littlecommonfc. Gave so much to local sport. #bexhill”

Little Common Ramblers CC wrote: “So sorry to hear. Our thoughts are with family and all involved with the club. RIP Ken”

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