Tributes still flooding in for Sussex football official Dave

Latest to pay tribute to Dave, who lived at Petworth, is Steve Nealgrove, chairman of the Southern Combination League. He said: "We at the league were very saddened to hear the news.

"Our under-18s secretary told me Dave was one of those who if you gave him only an hour's notice of an official being needed, he would put his boots in his bag and off he would go. He was always very keen to support the league. He was held in very high regard by the league and fellow officials. Our sincere condolences go out to his family."

Also expressing sadness is Mike Blythman from Felpham Colts FC, who said: "I was on the WSFL committee with Dave. A proper football man through and through who loved and served the game always."

Roger Smith of Pagham FC said: "Great guy, always smiling when down at Pagham covering our games at all levels. RIP Dave."

East Dean FC said: "Sad news to hear Dave Huggett has passed away, loyal servant to Sussex football, such a great character which will be sadly missed #ripdave

Here's our earlier flow of tributes to Dave...

His passing was widely reported on Twitter, with Storrington FC saying on Monday: "Sad news hearing that Dave Huggett has passed away after contracting Covid. Has been a football official in the #scfl since I can remember #RIP"

The tweet sparked many replies. Here are some of the comments made in tribute to Dave.

Dan Cox said: "Sad news. Always had time to speak to managers before and after games."

Charlie Welling added: "I sat on the league committee with him for a few years, sad news."

Upper Beeding FC tweeted: "Very sad news. Loved his big watch, always officiated with honesty and integrity. RIP, and just in case we never said it enough at matches, thank you Dave."

Mile Oak FC and local football blogger Trevor Knell were others to express their sadness, while Martin Gander said: "Very sad news for Sussex football, always enjoyed a chat with Dave, great character and will be sadly missed. Condolences to all family and friends RIP Dave."

Broadbridge Heath manager Chris Simmons added: "Really Sad news, Dave was always such a nice, happy and positive official and very well respected! #topguy RIP Huggie."

Mike Williamson tweeted: "That is sad news,old style ref that actually talked to players and enjoyed his games as a result..RIP Dave."

Further tributes were paid today (Tuesday) with Loxwood FC saying: "Such sad news of the passing of Dave Huggett, a referee in the WSFL for many years and in later years a linesman in the SCFL. He had been to The Nest so many times he was part of the fixtures and fittings, he will be missed by all of us here, we are all thinking of his family."

Arundel FC added: "Arundel FC would like to send sincere condolences to all the family and friends of Dave Huggett, who has very sadly passed away after contracting Covid. Dave has been a respected football official in the #scfl for many years, RIP Dave."

Storrington chairman Nigel Dyer said: "He has been an official in the county for years and years, even when I was playing. He was always cheerful and talkative. It's always sad to see good people go from the football community, especially with the longevity of his service."