St James football lost one of its most revered sons on Tuesday with the passing of veteran administrator and businessman Samuel ‘Sonny’ Vassell, who served successful stints at the helm of Seba United FC and the St James Football Association.

According to a family friend, the 88-year-old Vassell, who was left incapacitated by a major motor vehicle accident several years ago, has not been enjoying the best of health in recent times, albeit there was always a sparkle in his eyes whenever a discussion turns to football.

In reacting to the news of the veteran administrator’s death, former national coach Carl Brown, whose Boys’ Town team had many legendary battles with Seba United when Vassell was the driving force behind the Montego Bay-based club, which now operates as Montego Bay United FC, hailed his contribution to football.