One of the possessions that has followed me from our house in Bridle Lane to where I find myself now, is a small football trophy. I received it in 1973 and the little plaque on it says ‘For Sportsmanship’. It represents the pinnacle of my sporting career. In reality, it was in recognition that, whilst keen, I was completely hopeless. Despite being on the perpetual ‘bench’ and with zero expectation of getting the under 12’s Ballon D’Or at the ‘73 Colron presentation evening, Ron took me aside and made sure it I knew it was ‘worth my while’ attending. I was the runt of the Colron litter, the complete no-hoper on the pitch, but Ron’s generosity, kindness and unbridled enthusiasm made me feel like Geoff Astle (before missing the open goal at Mexico ‘70, obviously). The little trophy remains a prized possession and sits on my desk, actually, the only ornament in my office. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ Mr Perks. Rest in peace, Ron.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Ronald. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.