The funeral will be held on Thursday at St John's Church, Carterton, for former Carterton Football Club chairman Gordon Maxwell who has died aged 72.

Born and brought up in Newcastle, he joined the RAF in 1951, as an apprentice.

After serving all over the world, he left the forces while based at RAF Brize Norton and settled in Carterton.

He later worked for Oxfam, then The Spastics Society, before finishing his working career with Oxford City Council.

In 1972, he set up Carterton Boys Club and eventually went on to manage teams from the under 7s to the under 18s and a ladies team.

Eleven years later, he became a committee member of then Carterton Town.

As well as helping set up the club's mini-soccer centre, he and colleague Glyn Yates, were instrumental in helping the club achieve its senior status.

He was appointed first team manager in 1986, before being elected in 1995.

During his tenure, the club enjoyed its highest ever placing in 1999 when they finished second in the Hellenic Premier League. They also reached the final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

For the five years after he stepped down as chairman, Maxwell, continued to be an integral part of the club.

Carterton chairman, Rob King, said: "He will be sorely missed by all at the club."

The service, at 1pm, will be followed by a wake at the football club. The family have requested that no black clothing be worn.