A MAN renowned for his commitment to Oxfordshire football has died, aged 76.

Doug Watts, the chairman of the Oxfordshire FA referees' committee, was a highly-respected member of the Oxfordshire FA and was considered a friend and a mentor to all referees in the county.

He was also an active supporter of the county youth football and was always willing to accompany the county sides, home and away.

Oxfordshire FA chairman Terry Williams paid tribute to Mr Watts, who spent 13 years on the Oxfordshire FA council.

He said: "Douggie was a great advocate for referees and for youth football.

"With young referees in particular, he was always fully supportive and worked very hard for them.

"He was direct and to the point with his advice, and gained a lot of respect from everyone."

Born in Forest Hill as one of five brothers, Mr Watts grew up loving football and started playing for the village team aged 16.

In November 1961, he refereed his first match and soon moved up the refeereing ranks with his finest appointment being a FA Cup qualifying round tie between Wycombe Wanderers and British Rail Bletchley.

He refereed every Oxfordshire FA County Cup final, with the exception of the Senior Cup, before retiring from active refereeing in 1985.

He was described by friends as "having a heart of gold and always on hand to help out".

Mr Watts leaves his wife of 50 years, Lois, two sons Anthony and Neil and two grandchildren.