STEVE Webber, who played in goal for Ransomes Sports in the late seventies and early eighties, has died suddenly aged 55.He was with the Ipswich-based club when they won the SIL and Suffolk Senior Cup double and in total won two Senior Cup finals at Portman Road.

Elvin King

STEVE Webber, who played in goal for Ransomes Sports in the late seventies and early eighties, has died suddenly aged 55.

He was with the Ipswich-based club when they won the SIL and Suffolk Senior Cup double and in total won two Senior Cup finals at Portman Road. He also won the McNeil Cup on two occasions.

Although living in the Southampton area he was back in only Ipswich last month for a special reunion arranged by former Ransomes manager Brian O'Reilly.

Steve played for the Ipswich Town youth team in his teenage days, and O'Reilly paid the following tribute.

“Steve was not the biggest keeper, but he was a great shot stopper with amazing reactions.

“He was always a credit to himself and immaculately turned out. We played at Gorleston when their experienced striker Sammy Morgan clattered into him and sent him sprawling into the back of the net.

“Team mate Derek Robinson made us smile when he said that Steve rose to his feet with his hair still all in place.

“It was typical of Steve to take the ribbing in good heart. He was a joy to manage.”

Steve played under O'Reilly for Brantham and also played for Needham Market before moving south with his employment with Jewsons.