ARTHUR Howlett, who holds the distinction of being the first Oxford City player to score 100 goals for the first XI, has died, aged 77.

Mr Howlett, of Queen’s Road, Thame, passed away in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, last Saturday.

He was a prolific centre forward during his first spell with City, which saw him score 137 goals in three seasons from 1957-60.

And he reached his milestone of 100 goals with the second of his two strikes against Banbury Spencer in the FA Cup at the White House Ground on October 3, 1959.

He started playing football for his hometown club Thame United in the Oxfordshire Senior League, and also had a short spell with Headington United Reserves.

Moving on to City, his goalscoring feats earned him call-ups for the Isthmian League representative team and an England amateur international trial.

After three seasons with City, he signed for Aylesbury United, but quickly moved on to Chesham United.

During his time there, he signed forms for Thame, allowing him to play for them when not required by Chesham, before having a second spell at City.

He also played for Oxfordshire and the Berks & Bucks FA representative teams.

He returned to Thame United as player-manager in 1964-65 for two seasons, before joining Aylesbury United.

Retiring from playing at 35, he refereed locally, before managing Thame again from October 1972 to November 1974 in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

He spent his early working life as a hide and skin merchant, before becoming a lorry driver for butchers’ waste.

Husband of the late Doreen Howlett, he leaves a son Bob, daughters Sally and Carole, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A private family service will take place at Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham, on Friday, September 24.

A service of thanksgiving and internment will follow at St Mary’s Church, Thame, on Tuesday, September 28 (2pm).