Monty Green was Langley Manor through and through.

He has died at his Ashurst home with wife Valerie at his side, having been the heartbeat of the club since its reformation after WWII.

Monty first appeared for Langley Manor in 1948, and went on to play for the club for 32 years, captaining the 1st and 2nd XI. He still holds records as a wicket keeper for 15 stumpings in a season (1956) and 31 catches in the 1971 season.

He started umpiring in 1956, finally retiring in 2011 after 19 senior finals, 27 colts cup finals and 30 years umpiring Langley Manor matches in the Hampshire League.

Monty joined the club committee as a volunteer groundsman in 1956, and was still helping brush and remark the wicket between innings until recently.

At his side throughout was his wife Valerie, who not only made some of the best teas around, but was often seen rolling the wicket.

During his long and devoted service, Monty was made a Life Member in 1991, Life Vice-President of the club in 1998 and President in 2008.

He was instrumental in acquiring a new pavilion for the club's old ground behind Colbury Hall, rehoming the club to Knellers Lane when the Totton by-pass threatened its existence and setting up the successful colts section.

Directors of the Hampshire Cricket Board have paid tribute.

Chairman John Wolfe said: "I knew Monty for nearly 60 years. He lived and breathed for his club. So many people have reason to be grateful to him."

Geoff Rhodes, HCB Finance Director, and former Langley Manor colleague, recalls Monty as "the heartbeat of the club - content to serve in any capacity, but perhaps never happier than when working on his beloved pitch. He was at the centre of club life all the way from the old ground in the village to the Southern League accredited facility the Club enjoys today."