Everyone at Lancing FC is saddened to hear of the death of club president Len Ralph who died yesterday following a long illness.

Len first joined the club over 50 years ago, in 1973, when his son played for the youth team and within two years he was Vice Chairman. Len also manned the gate, edited the award winning programme and looked after the pitch. Many long standing supporters will remember Len marking the pitch on a Saturday morning before a game. Len inherited a pitch described as ‘like a moon crater’ and, after lots of study and consulting different people including the Brighton and Hove Albion groundsman, produced a pitch many considered the best playing surface in the league.

Len continued to support the club with match and player sponsorship and 100 Club membership and can be seen above presenting Will Berry with a Man of the Match award in 2021.

We will announce details of Len’s funeral as soon as we can but the club will hold a minutes applause before kick off at Saturday’s game against Phoenix Sports.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Len’s family and friends at this difficult time.