Tributes have been paid to a former Wealdstone FC footballer and Harrow College teacher, who passed away aged 80.

Arthur Peel, who made 128 appearances and scored 15 goals for ‘The Stones’ between 1961 and 1966, was highly thought of by those who encountered him.

A man devoted to the development of youngsters in both education and sport, he taught for a number of years in the Harrow area, most notably at the Harrow Weald campus of Harrow College where he was games master.

A spokesperson for Wealdstone FC said: “We are very sorry to learn of the passing of our former player, Arthur Peel. May we send our condolences to family and friends.”

Charlie Townsend, who played alongside Arthur in the 1960s, explained how he had a lasting influence on a number of his students.

“If there was something he could do, he was always the first to get involved,” he said.

“He was very well thought of for his work in the area and lots of people knew his name. There was talk that he should have really received some sort of official recognition for his services to school football.”

Originally from Manchester, Arthur moved south to teach and, thanks to his love of football, joined a number of the amateur sides, including Hendon and Wembley.

While at Wealdstone, he formed a formidable partnership with Tony Knox both on and off the field.

“When everyone would be off drinking beer after the game, he and Tony would be sitting in the corner with an orange juice discussing what had happened,” Charlie said.

“Back in those days you had a real mix of professions – teachers, builders and so on.

“He was a fine outside right though, Arthur, and I’m pretty sure he played an amateur international for England when he was at Sheffield University.”

Upon learning of his death, one former student commented that the mention of his name “evokes happy memories”.

He added that his influence at Harrow College was so great that the school’s football team was thought of as a de facto “centre of excellence”.

A special remembrance piece dedicated to Arthur will be in Wealdstone FC’s next match programme and a minute’s silence will be held before the fixture on 19 August.

His funeral will be held at St Gabriel’s Church, Northolt Road, South Harrow on 14 August at 10am. All are welcome to attend.