THE Sydenhams Wessex League are mourning the loss of their much-loved treasurer Bob Rose.

Bob, who lived in Winchester, passed away on Tuesday following a heart attack.

A fan of Scottish club Montrose, Bob had been expertly managing SWL finances since taking over from Norman Cook in 1999.

"Bob hadn't been well for a long time, but this came as a total blow," admitted SWL competition secretary John Gorman.

"He hadn't been able to drive for three or four years and I often had the pleasure of travelling with him.

"Bob was a very pleasant, even-tempered man, very good company and very knowledgeable about non-League football.

"In accounting terms, he was extremely well qualified.

"The job of treasurer needs a certain ability and Bob will be greatly missed and very hard to replace."

An SWL statement issued on Tuesday said: "Sorry to hear that our treasurer Bob Rose passed away earlier today.

"Our thoughts & condolences go to his wife, Sue, and family at this sad time."