NON-LEAGUE football has united in its mourning for former Football Conference chief John Moules, who passed away last Sunday following a period of illness.
In a 14-year stint with the Conference, now National League, Moules took on the role of secretary from 1994 1999, and then chief executive from 1999-2008.
He then became chairman and chief executive of Ebbsfleet United during the ill-fated MyFootballClub ownership period of 2008 09 and was still an active vice-chairman of the Southern Counties East Football League – alongside other various roles with the Kent FA – until his sad death.
John's love affair with football began with many proud years serving as a National Panel referee, officiating in the Footballl League, until 1994.
He also held positions as a national referee assessor for both the Premierr League and the Football Association.
In more recent times, John was hugely involved in various voluntary roles within regional football. As well as his on-going role in the SCEFL, he was vice-chairman of the Kent County Football League and general secretary of the Kent Invicta League following its formation in 2011.
He was also a member of the Kent FA Council and chairman of the Referee's Committee, while contributing greatly to supporting grassroots athletics clubs in the region.
SCEFL chair Denise Richmond commented: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of our vice-chair John Moules. He has been ill for a number of months, but has remained very positive throughout, fighting hard to get better.
Dedication
“John will be very much missed by everyone. He was still an active member of the Board of Directors of the league, as well as supporting clubs and the league with ground-grading, discipline and respect until a few weeks ago.
“Personally, John has given me so much support over the past few years of our working together, football in this region has benefitted so much from his dedication and hard work and is poorer for his passing. Rest In Peace John” A National League statement read: “[Since his time on the National League board], John has since played a big part in football, staying involved with the sport he loves.
Condolences
“Taking on the role of vice chairman of the Southern Counties East Football League, he spent his Saturdays watching the game that dominated his life.
“As chairman of the Referee's Committee, his support of officials' development following his own retirement was there for all to see.
“John will be very much missed by everyone in the league. Our love and thoughts go out to John's wife, Lois and all the family at this very sad time.”
And Ebbsfleet United added: “John worked alongside numerous Fleet staff, many of whom are still involved with the club today and all of us here at the Kuflink Stadium offer our condolences and support to John's family and many friends in football.”
