Ron Tindall

Former West Ham United striker Ron Tindall has passed away at the age of 76.

The former forward made just a handful of appearances for United in the 1961/62 season when he was signed by Ron Greenwood from Chelsea, but was a popular figure at the club.

However it was for his efforts against another London team that Tindall will be best remembered by Ian Gibb, a West Ham follower since 1955. "Ron could play in central defence or as a striker," he told KUMB.com.

"I well remember a First Division game at Highbury where he scored in the first minute and then notched the last minute equaliser at 2-2 against a useful Arsenal side."

Tindall made his debut for West Ham as a replacement for Alan Sealey in a home encounter with Everton back in November 1961. His brace against Arsenal came in the following match, with his last-minute equaliser denying the Gunners their first win against West Ham since the 1930s.

Although Sealey was recalled for United's next outing against Bolton, Tindall was back in the starting XI for the next four matches and it was one of those - against Blackburn - that he scored his third and final goal in claret and blue in a 3-2 defeat at Ewood Park.

His final appearance for the Hammers came in April 1962 in a Friday night match at home to Birmingham which ended 2-2.

At the end of the season Tindall moved to Reading where he remained for a year, before joining Portsmouth with whom he ended his playing career. He then spent three years at Pompey as manager before moving to Australia where he spent his remaining years.

As well as possessing considerable talent as a footballer, the Streatham-born striker was also a dab hand at cricket, as Ian Gibb recalls.

"Ron was an all-round sportsmen in the days when men could played pro football and first class cricket a la Jim Standen," he added. "He was a very useful batsman for Surrey when they were the top county."

Our condolences go to Ron's family and friends.