Tributes to Derek Ufton

Tributes have been paid to former Kent cricketer and Charlton and England footballer Derek Ufton.

The 92-year-old, who enjoyed tandem playing careers in both sports, died peacefully in his sleep.

Derek was a remarkable sportsman who played all his cricket for Kent - 149 first-class appearances in total - and all his football for Charlton during an 11-year period from the 1949/50 season, where he made 277 appearances.

In addition, the centre-half also won one England cap at football, representing his country against a Rest of Europe side at Wembley in 1953.

After his playing days, Derek continued to give to both sports.

As well as serving as a Charlton club director for 25 years, he was a regular at The Valley until lockdown prevented him from attending games in 2020. He was a member of Kent Cricket’s main committee from 1978 to 1983, and from 1985 to 2000, and became president of the club, in succession to Colin Cowdrey, in 2001.

Former Kent captain

David Fulton said: “This is heartbreaking news. One of Kent’s great sportsmen and one of the kindest souls. He was also the voice of reason on Kent’s cricket committee that everyone listened to.” “I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him,” said Charlton club ambassador Keith Peacock.

“He was a wonderful man and a gentleman - thoughtful, kind and very intelligent. “Derek was so unique in that there were very few people whocouldplayataveryhigh level in football or cricket and he managed both, which shows you what an all-round sportsman he was.

“He had so many stories that he could remember, even until recently, and he was just interesting to speak to. He also always had his opinion on the players of today, particularly the centrehalves! It was an honour just to be around him and to have him be such a big part of Charlton and he will always be remembered.”

A Kent cricket statement said: “Derek and wife Judy were very regular visitors to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence from their home in Elham, and all the many people who wanted to stop and talk to him were greeted with a cheery smile and a tremendous fund of stories. Kent will be a much poorer place without him.” Crayford-born Derek went to Dartford Grammar School where he was taught PE by Joe Jagger, Mick’s father.