FOOTBALLERS from across Wyre Forest have paid tribute to a much-loved referee who died suddenly – describing him as a ‘legend’.

Dave Herbert, 67, earned the respect of generations of players during a memorable 21 years as an official.

The Birmingham Road resident was an endearing figure in the Kidderminster and District League and Stourport and District Youth League.

Mr Herbert was well-known for his witty banter, sense of fairness and passion for the beautiful game.

Daughter Lisa Higgins said: “You couldn’t go anywhere with dad if you were in a rush because he always met someone he knew and it was always to do with football.

“They would always say ‘your dad sent me off’ but they would both laugh about it.”

She added: “He could connect with older lads and men and with six and seven-year-olds: he had the ability to talk to such a wide age range.

“You could always hear him laughing and joking with someone.”

After finishing coaching Wribbenhall Wasps when son Richard left to join the Army, he threw himself into refereeing.

At his busiest, he was officiating boys’ and senior games on Saturdays and Sundays.

With a passion for guiding youngsters and a strict no swearing policy, he had an array of catch phrases, such as ‘linesman-keeper, keeper-linesman’ and ‘put some petrol in the tank, kid’.

Terry Pollitt, from the Stourport and District Youth League, said: “Dave would get youngsters and parents to applaud any player that was being substituted. Sometimes he would spend more time explaining to the lads what they had done wrong rather than refereeing.”

Mr Herbert, who was born in Stourport and worked in the carpet industry before retiring from Brintons, also set up and managed St John’s Tigers when his oldest grandson began playing junior football two years ago.

His final game was a charity match on Sunday, May 31 and he fell ill with pancreatitis on the following Friday, before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and passing away on Monday, June 8.

He is survived by wife Hilary, children Richard and Lisa and five grandchildren.

A special trophy for referees is set to be named in his honour by the Stourport League.

Tributes for the referee have poured in on social media, with Ferndale Men saying on Twitter: “All at Ferndale would like to say RIP to a Kiddy Football League legend in Dave Herbert. Good ref, better bloke.”

The funeral will be held on Friday, June 26 at St Bartholomew’s Church in Areley Kings (noon start), before moving to Wyre Forest Crematorium and then Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Suite.

The family requests family flowers only, but donations can be made to Worcester Royal Critical Care and Wilden Village Cricket Club.

MANY tributes have been paid to Dave Herbert via social media.
Glyn Lloyd: I’ve been involved with Kidderminster league football nearly 20 years.
Everyone respected Dave, not just as a referee but as a person.
Really genuine bloke who just loved being there and involved.
Sam Lloyd-Perks: He was a great referee but an overall lovely chap, too. I remember a few years back when refereeing our Under-16s game. He told one of our players to hurry up when taking a throw-in because he wanted to get home for his Sunday dinner! Such a great sense of humour, will be sadly missed! RIP Dave.
Nick Shurmer: RIP Dave, livened up all the games he reffed for the team my lad plays for.
Gary Williams: Dave started a new football team called St John’s Tigers two years ago. I feel so lucky to be part of that and be guided by Dave. All the kids loved him for his passion and dedication. RIP
Paulo Davies: RIP from Paulo, Simon and all the lads at Kiddy Lions Juniors Under-8s. Dave was a good guy who cared about all the kids.
FerndalesMens: All at Ferndale would like to say RIP to a Kiddy football league legend in Dave Herbert. Good ref, better bloke.