The Hertfordshire Football Association is sad to report the tragic news that Gary Norman, Chairman and Board Member, passed away suddenly on Saturday 7th April following a heart attack whilst holidaying in Spain. Gary was aged just 56.

Gary began his life in football as a goalkeeper playing in the St. Albans League for St. Albans City Hospital in the 1970s. Injury forced him to retire early and he began his life in football administration.

Whilst managing local sides such as Redbourn he joined the Mid Herts League’s Committee progressing eventually to become a Life Vice President. Meanwhile he was progressing to become Chairman of the St. Albans Review Sunday League before becoming a Vice President of the League, a position he still held. In a demonstration of his service to football Gary also held the position of President of the Olympian Sunday Football League.

Gary joined the Hertfordshire FA whilst still in his twenties in 1983. Progressing rapidly he became the Secretary of the South-West Division a position he held until the Association centralized in 1999.

From that season he became the Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Discipline Committee, progressing to become Secretary of that Committee in the 2002/03 season. In the same season Gary took up the position of Vice-Chairman of the Association before being elected as Chairman in 2007.

Gary gave over thirty years to football and only recently has been working on two important projects for the Association’s future. A very generous and kind man Gary will be sorely missed by everyone involved with the Hertfordshire FA and all those who knew him within football.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Gary’s family and friends to whom we send our sincere condolences.

Details of the funeral will be published as soon as possible.