Last weekend, a cherished retired local football referee in Macclesfield, John Hough sadly passed away. 

Born in November 1937, John lived in Macclesfield his entire life and 'was well-respected by all those around him'.

Within this article we reflect on his significant role in the sport and his enduring legacy within the community.

John's daughter, Kim Davies, explained what her father's early life was like and how he got into refereeing in the first place.

John Hough (right, pictured at Macclesfield Railway Station) was a professional football referee for 13 years. He has passed away at the age of 86.

"He was brought up on Barton Street," said Kim.

"He went to Park Royal (primary school) and then went on to the central school.

"He went into the army and then went on to become a plumbing and heating engineer.

"Basically, he started running the line at just local level.

John with grandson Jack Davies.

"Then he became a local referee just for Sunday league matches.

"He went on to line for the FA and eventually refereed for the Football Association.

"His total service as a football referee was from 1973 to 1986."

John refereed at the highest level, mainly the First Division, which is today known as the Premier League. 

Daughter Kim Davies (left) paid tribute to John.

The first match he took control of was on the 8th of September 1979 when a star-studded Liverpool team comfortably beat Coventry City 4-0.

One noticeable goal scorer within this match was the Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish. 

Kim reflected on her fondest memories of her father from when he was a referee. 

"I think he had quite a big reputation for sending people off," said Kim humorously.

John with Jenny, his partner of over 25 years.

"If you ever went to make a cup of tea his shoelaces were always in the kettle as he'd be trying to get them white.

"I can remember being constantly woken up because he was on Match of the Day."

John also refereed the recently-televised 'Blacks vs Whites' football match, a classification which at the time was not seen as an issue. 

The game took place in May 1979 as a testimonial for one of West Bromwich Albion's longest – serving players, Len Cantello.

John's funeral will take place in Macclesfield on July 2.

West Brom were the first team to have three regular black players in their starting line-up, with a trio of players being infamously known as The Three Degrees.

Goalscorers that day included ex-BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks. 

"I can remember him saying it just wasn't a big thing," Kim explained.

"It was just like an ordinary match at the time."

In later life, John would bowl for Macclesfield's South Park in competitive bowls.

After John retired, he never lost interest in sport.

He was still a dedicated football supporter and continued to be active after his refereeing days.

"He then went on to be a crown green bowler up until last year," said Kim.

"He bowled for South Park in Macclesfield, in Mobberley, and Alderley.

John loved to travel and his favourite country to visit was Malta.

"I think he sort of was a bit lost when he stopped refereeing.

"And then he took up bowling and I think that just took over then."

John was a prominent figure within the Macclesfield community.

He developed many friendships with the people in Macclesfield, from both his profession and others.

"There was a big group of referees that would regularly go and meet at The Flower Pot pub [on Congleton Road]," Kim explained.

"I suppose it wasn't an easy job being a referee.

"I think he regularly got chased out of the stadium!"

Overall, it is important that we celebrate such a successful character from Macclesfield.

John's family hopes that people can be inspired by John's story and replicate his dedicated attitude to his profession in their own lives.

John's funeral will take place on July 2, 11.30am at Macclesfield Crematorium with donations in support of East Cheshire Hospice.

To view photos of John in his football refereeing heyday, please click HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.