Sometimes what happens on the football field is overshadowed by events off it, more those which are out of your control.

At The Rail, home of Retford FC, such an event recently occurred as they presently mourn the loss of their beloved Vice President, Martin ‘Buster’ Keeton, a gentleman who, from the outpouring of condolences and support, was both well-liked, and well-loved.

A little over a week has elapsed since ‘Buster’ passed (24 October), following a short illness, his beloved Choughs now looking at ways to remember him, including the building of, with the blessing of Buster’s family, a new stand (the club are calling on supporters to help raise the funds needed, and donations can be made via the Just Giving page HERE

On the day of his passing, the Choughs released a statement which read: “Retford FC are devastated to announce the death of Club Vice President Martin Keeton.

“After a short illness, Martin passed away suddenly at home on Sunday morning.

“Martin (affectionately known as ‘Buster’) was a well-known figure around the town, especially in local footballing circles having been heavily involved in Sunday league football with Leverton United as well as being a pivotal member of the committee at Retford FC being involved with the Choughs since their inception in 2015.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him and will leave a big hole at Retford FC, with his committed involvement not only on match days looking after visiting officials in hospitality, but also for the tireless work he did around the Rail helping to make the ground what it is today.

“No-one was prouder to have seen Retford FC gain promotion to the Northern Counties East League and see the club grow both on and off the field in such a short space of time and he would always be speaking highly about the club he loved to anyone who would listen on away trips, at home games or on a Friday night over a pint at his local.

“From all at Retford FC, and the wider footballing community, our thoughts are with Martin’s family at this difficult time.

“RIP Buster, we are going to miss you.”

Although October finished with a home defeat to Hall Road Rangers in the league, that was secondary to those turning out in memory, to honour, the passing of Buster, with near 250 packing The Rail for their league fixture.

Of those, visibly affected by the passing of Buster Keeton, was that of Choughs manager, Chris Woodhead, who recently celebrated his 250^th game in charge of the club – there won’t be many, more difficult moments during his time at the club, than this.

Saturday’s game against Hall Road Rangers, was a chance for them all to say goodbye, and Woody summed up his thoughts and feelings, if that were possible when put to it, in his programme notes, saying: “If I’m honest, I am writing these programme notes with tears in my eyes with the loss of Vice President Martin Keeton this week.

“’Buster’ was my friend, team-mate and one of the biggest members of this football club.

“What can I say?

“I’d do anything to see him again stood at the side of the pitch.

“I’d do anything to hear him tell me off for leaving the changing rooms untidy, not sorting the bibs out and not looking after the match balls.

“I’d do anything to just to hear his laugh and his brilliant stories again.

“I sat in ‘his’ hospitality room at training on Tuesday night. It’s all laid out ready to greet our next opponents. He would tell them how this club started, what we want to do, and what we want to build.

“He loved this club and this club loves him more than he probably realised.

“Sunday league football loved him, Leverton Football Club loved him, and the whole Retford footballing community will mourn the death of the biggest supporter of local football.

“His amazing family have lost a great man and the football club will stand with them to remember my mate – the man who got me into Sunday league football which started the journey to our club, Retford FC.

“I will always remember Buster. My friend. The man. The legend.

“He was Retford football.”

There was one line in Woody’s summing up of Buster, for the Choughs, that deserve a standalone mention; immediately after the Retford boss states that Buster was Retford football, a bold statement in itself, he also added a perhaps well-coined phrase that would befit everybody, and that’s how we’ll close this tribute to Martin ‘Buster’ Keeton (1962-2021).

“Get on with it, Woody lad.”

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Retford_FC the Choughs’ much loved vice president Martin ‘Buster’ Keeton rip.