TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former Thurrock footballer.

Fred Ryder, 81, was a regular on the football circuit in the Fifties and Sixties as a player before going on to manage and coach.

He was a well-loved and respected player for Tilbury, Grays Athletic and Rainham, with the highlight of his career scoring two goals in the famous Essex Senior Cup Final win over WalthamstowAvenue in 1961 for Tilbury.

Mr Ryder, known as Freddie to his football mates, died peacefully on Saturday, July 11, at Grapecroft Care Home, in Tilbury, after suffering with Alzheimer’s since 2010. He leaves his wife, Gloria, three children – Maxine, 55, Grant 53, and Alan 49 – and nine grandchildren.

Mrs Ryder paid tribute to her husband. She said: “He loved his sport and friends, and his family. He really missed his football when he finished playing, but got really involved again in his forties when he started managing and coaching.”

Mr Ryder went to school at St Mary’s Catholic Primary, before going on to the Merchant Navy, his National Service in the Army and then Tilbury Docks.

His son, Alan, said: “He was our rock and inspiration for what we’ve all achieved.”

Brother John, 67, added: “I will always be proud to be his brother. I always looked up to him.”

Mr Ryder’s funeral takes place today (Friday) at Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Dock Road, Tilbury, at 11.45am.