'Icon' of Hertfordshire football Bert Dearman dies at age of 87

Watford born-and-bred Bert Dearman devoted his life to football and was a long-serving member of Hertfordshire Football Association.

His sporting career began when he played in net for a number of local clubs including Rickmansworth Town, Kings Langley, and Leavesden Hospital. He also played in Egypt during his national service.

When Mr Dearman retired from playing, he took up a career in refereeing which spanned around 40 years. He officiated games in non-league football as well as the Herts Senior County League and Watford Sunday League.

One of the highlights of his officiating career was when he was appointed as linesman in former Watford footballer Ross Jenkins' testimonial at Vicarage Road.

Bert Dearman, pictured in the middle, during his refereeing career

When the time came to step back from active refereeing, Mr Dearman became heavily involved in referee development, both as a trainer to aspiring young officials and later as an observer, a role which he continued until well into his eighties.

Widely involved in the administration of the game, Mr Dearman served on the Hertfordshire FA referee’s committee and council for many years before becoming President of the Association and was a familiar face to many on the gate at County Cup finals.

Bert Dearman receiving the Long Service Award

At the time of his death he was also President of the Herts Senior County League and until very recently he would still travel from Watford to Welwyn to attend all their meetings, only considering scaling back his commitments as his health began to fail.

Richard Dowden, director of Hertfordshire FA and chairman of the referees’ committee, described Mr Dearman as a "true icon of Hertfordshire football".

Graham Phillips, chairman of Hertfordshire FA, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear that our dear friend Bert had passed away. His love of the game and commitment to inspire generations of Hertfordshire match officials leaves a legacy that will live on for many years to come. He will be sadly missed."

Bert Dearman pictured during his national service

Off the pitch, Mr Dearman was a huge family man and a stalwart of Watford. He grew up in the town and worked in Watford, and never left the area as his place of residence up until his death on August 7.

He grew up in Regent Street and when he returned from national service, Egypt, he met his late wife Iris, who lived next door to his new home in Shaftesbury Road.

They would move to Leavesden and have three children; Stewart, Susan, and Christine. The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2017.

Bert Dearman and his wife Iris, who died a couple of years ago, pictured for their wedding anniversary in 2007

Such was Mr Dearman’s enthusiasm for sport, his wife would help write up match reports that her husband had refereed.

Away from his footballing career, Mr Dearman worked at Wilks cycle shop in Watford, before moving to Sun Printers and then BT.

His daughter Christine said: "He was the perfect dad. He was always there for you and If you had a problem, he’d always give advice. He’d always make time for his family. He was a great man."