Family and football club pay tribute to Preston junior coach who has died aged 44

Tributes are being paid to a Preston junior football coach and dad-of-four who has died at the age of 44.
Arthur Osgood, affectionately known as 'Ossie' to his friends and football pals at Ribbleton F.C., died on Wednesday (June 16) after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 44-years-old and leaves behind a partner and four children. Pic: Ribbleton F.C.Arthur Osgood, affectionately known as 'Ossie' to his friends and football pals at Ribbleton F.C., died on Wednesday (June 16) after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 44-years-old and leaves behind a partner and four children. Pic: Ribbleton F.C.
Arthur Osgood, affectionately known as 'Ossie' to his friends and football pals at Ribbleton F.C., died on Wednesday (June 16) after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 44-years-old and leaves behind a partner and four children. Pic: Ribbleton F.C.

Arthur Osgood, affectionately known as 'Ossie' to his friends and football pals, died on Wednesday (June 16).

Originally from Slough in Berkshire, Arthur moved to Preston in 2008 and adopted the city as his home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His family say his death was sudden following a second cardiac arrest. He leaves behind his fiancée Lorraine and four children, Reace, 22, Jade, 20, Jack, 15 and Chelsi, 12.

Lorraine, on behalf of her heartbroken family, said: "Arthur was a caring, generous man, who was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to have met him.

"We are are all heartbroken and will miss him terribly and we will cherish the memories we have together. He was a great father, son, brother and a husband to be.

"He will always be in our hearts and thoughts and never forgotten."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arthur was a successful sales executive, but he also enjoyed success on the pitch, both as a player and a coach for local team Ribbleton F.C.

Arthur's fiancée Lorraine Wilson said the 44-year-old was "a caring, generous man, who was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to have met him".Arthur's fiancée Lorraine Wilson said the 44-year-old was "a caring, generous man, who was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to have met him".
Arthur's fiancée Lorraine Wilson said the 44-year-old was "a caring, generous man, who was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to have met him".

His passion for football and his more than 10-year involvement with the Preston club made him a familiar and friendly face to many in the community.

Arthur's natural leadership on the pitch led to him being appointed captain of the men's team and he remained dedicated to grassroots football after his playing days.

He spent the past eight years coaching the club's junior team with friends Darren Ghouse and David Cross and led the young side to three consecutive promotions in the Central Lancashire Junior Football League.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arthur's team, which starred his son Jack, were crowned the under-12 league winners in 2018 and continued their success the following year when they scooped the double by winning both the under-13s league title and the League Plate trophy.

Arthur spent the past eight years coaching Ribbleton F.C. with his friends Darren Ghouse (left) and David Cross (right), helping lead the young side to three consecutive promotions in the Central Lancashire Junior Football League. Pic: Ribbleton FCArthur spent the past eight years coaching Ribbleton F.C. with his friends Darren Ghouse (left) and David Cross (right), helping lead the young side to three consecutive promotions in the Central Lancashire Junior Football League. Pic: Ribbleton FC
Arthur spent the past eight years coaching Ribbleton F.C. with his friends Darren Ghouse (left) and David Cross (right), helping lead the young side to three consecutive promotions in the Central Lancashire Junior Football League. Pic: Ribbleton FC

His team's impressive rise through the youth divisions was capped off with a third league title in 2020, when the boys won promotion to the Premier division.

Today, his friends at Ribbleton F.C. have paid tribute to 'Ossie', who they will remember as "the loveliest bloke with a wicked smile".

A spokesman for Ribbleton F.C. said: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one our coaches Arthur “Ossie” Osgood on Wednesday evening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Ossie first came to Ribbleton over 10 years ago when he played for and captained the Men’s team. After the team folded, Ossie then joined the club as a coach and had run a team, which included his son Jack alongside Darren Ghouse for the past 8 seasons.

"He continued to help out with our development night and he coached many players along the way.

"Well liked, respected and dedicated, Ossie was just the loveliest bloke with a wicked smile. He was a huge Chelsea FC fan and he was no doubt delighted by their Champions League triumph this season.

"He will be hugely missed by everyone at the club. We send our love and condolences to Lorraine, Jack and Chelsi.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Rest easy Ossie. You’ll always be part of the Green Army family."

His death has led to an outpouring of tributes from his peers in grassroots football, including Longsands JFC, Lea United and Manchester Phoenix AFC.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.