Football in Suffolk has lost one of its giants, as we bid farewell to a man who played with Mick Mills and Colin Viljoen and refereed matches for almost 30 years.

Few have given more to the beautiful game in our county than Maurice Scrivener, known to many as ‘Scrivey’ or ‘Mo’, who died in January the age of 75.

Mr Scrivener’s budding talent on the pitch was apparent from an early age. As a child, he played as an amateur for Ipswich Town’s youth team in the Mercia League – the same side as Blues legends Mick Mills and Colin Viljoen.

East Anglian Daily Times: Maurice Scrivener (right) pictured receiving his Referees’ 25 Year Service award from Suffolk FA Chair David Porter (left) on the pitch at Portman Road in 2014. Image: Suffolk FAMaurice Scrivener (right) pictured receiving his Referees’ 25 Year Service award from Suffolk FA Chair David Porter (left) on the pitch at Portman Road in 2014. Image: Suffolk FA (Image: Suffolk FA)

East Anglian Daily Times: Maurice Scrivener pictured in 2011, then the Ridgeons Football League registration secretary, with the registration forms for Alessandro Zarrelli for Ipswich Wanderers, left, and Norwich United. Image: NewsquestMaurice Scrivener pictured in 2011, then the Ridgeons Football League registration secretary, with the registration forms for Alessandro Zarrelli for Ipswich Wanderers, left, and Norwich United. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Scrivener was well-liked and respected as a referee. Image: NewsquestMr Scrivener was well-liked and respected as a referee. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Scrivener was a referee for almost 30 years. Image: NewsquestMr Scrivener was a referee for almost 30 years. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Scrivener went on to play for Whitton United, gaining international caps for England NABC and scoring a hat trick in one of its matches against Scotland at Berwick Rangers FC.  He would later become secretary for the club.

Over the course of his career, Mr Scrivener started many teams and would serve as secretary, manager and chairman as required.

He was chairman of the Suffolk & Ipswich League from 1998 to 2001, and in later years worked with the Thurlow Nunn League as its registration secretary. He also served as the league’s referees appointment secretary.

For three decades, Mr Scrivener was a referee. He was an enormously respected and popular match official, being known for the fairness and good humour he brought to the game.

Ian Smillie was Mr Scrivener’s cousin. He is also the Suffolk FA referee appointments officer for Saturday adult county cup competitions.

Mr Scrivener was, he said, "a players’ referee" who nevertheless did not suffer fools gladly.

"Maurice loved football and football loved him," he said. "There can be no greater testimony than that and his death will leave a huge loss within the local and regional game."

Suffolk FA chief executive Richard Neal added: "Maurice was such a prevalent character within Suffolk football, having served as a referee for 35 years as well as roles with the Suffolk & Ipswich League and Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

"His enthusiasm, commitment, and joy for local football will be sorely missed but fondly remembered."

He said that his thoughts and condolences were with Mr Scrivener's family.