Many tributes have been paid following the announcement of the death of Thurrock Rugby Club legend Charlie Putz. Here RALPH HENDERSON shares his recollections of a man who impacted on so many local lives.

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THE word " legend" is often bandied about with too much ease, but in the case of Charlie Putz it is a most fitting description of this humble and decent man.

Charlie passed away peacefully earlier this week at the magnificent age of 95 and the tributes have been pouring in from friends at Thurrock Rugby Club where Charlie and his wife Betty had been two of the greatest supporters the club has ever known.

Furthermore, son Steve was one of Thurrock's most successful captains before embarking on an illustrious coaching career, culminating in the historic victory over London Irish in 1991.

Charlie had been a "rub-a dub" man at Tilbury Town and Grays Athletic and had worked alongside his great friend Tommy Nicholl. When Steve started playing for the first team, these two stalwarts threw themselves into rugby, heart and soul and made hundreds of new friends, including the club president Brian Howells and his wife Diane.

Charlie Putz.

Charlie and Betty were rarely absent from matches and provided provisions for all the players on long coach journeys after cup games.

Charlie and Betty were a major part of a "golden era" at Thurrock. Ever-present, they took every opportunity to travel on rugby expeditons around the world.

Furthermore, Charlie and Tommy became the first team "sponge men", although among players like Ray Page, John Mahoney, Mick Leckenby, Trevor Burge and Ray Davies, they were better known as psychologists!

Those privileged to play in that era ran on to the field feeling like worldbeaters, having had a massage and being given names like , "Merlin" and " Star " by these two magicians!

Charlie never failed to make us laugh; a real legend of Thurrock Rugby Club who will never be forgotten for the massive contribution of his family and the happiest of memories.