DEREK Nippard – who famously did a lap of honour after refereeing the FA Cup final – died earlier this month, aged 87, following a long illness.

Christchurch resident Derek took charge of the 1978 showpiece between Ipswich Town and Arsenal at Wembley.

And after Roger Osborne's goal had settled the match in Ipswich's favour, Derek and his two linesmen embarked on a lap of honour around the stadium.

The Football Association subsequently issued a directive informing officials not to follow Derek's lead.

Derek passed his referee's exam in 1949, aged 19, and started officiating in local leagues.

He was promoted to the Football Combination, firstly as a linesman and then as a referee, before following a similar path when he moved up to the Football League.

Derek spent 11 years on the Football League list, bowing out following the FA Cup final.

He was a member of the Hampshire FA council for 26 years and also an honorary life member and a patron of the Bournemouth Hayward Football League.

Derek served on the council of the Bournemouth Hayward Football League and the Bournemouth Divisional Football Association for more than 40 years.

He also had an association with Bournemouth Football Club (the Poppies) and was a life vice-president of Christchurch Football Club.

Derek received a special award from the Football Association and the Hampshire FA for 50 years' service to football.

His funeral will be held on August 1 at Bournemouth Crematorium, commencing at 2pm.