FORMER New Forest football manager and cricket umpire Walter Drodge has died in hospital after a short illness.

Mr Drodge who lived at the Ashett Dale residential care home in Stonehills, Fawley, passed away aged 86 and will be remembered mainly for his passion for sport.

He joined football team Blackfield & Langley in 1946, helping them to win the Southampton Senior Cup and the league title in 1949.

He took over as manager in the early 1960's, becoming their honorary vice-president in 1966.

Mr Drodge later managed Hythe & Dibden FC, guiding them to a league title in 1971.

He was also a keen cricketer. After a career playing at local level he took up umpiring in the early 1970's following his retirement as operator for Exxon Chemicals at the giant Fawley Oil Refinery.

He umpired at Lymington Cricket Club and continued to officiate until the late 1990's, occasionally umpiring Hampshire's II's.

To encourage youngsters to take up cricket Mr Drodge introduced and sponsored an under 11's tournament, the Walt Drodge Cup.

For his contribution to local cricket he was awarded lifetime membership of Lymington Cricket Club and named vice- president of Beaulieu Cricket Club and president of New Forest Umpires Association.

In 2005 he and his wife Irene celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He leaves two sons, four grandchildren and a great grandson.