NEIL Lennon has expressed his sadness at the passing of SFA heading of refereeing John Fleming at the age of 62.

The SFA released a statement yesterday morning announcing that Fleming had died after a prolonged illness.

“I’m devastated,” said Lennon. “John was a really good port of call and had great leadership qualities as the head of the refereeing department. He set new standards.

“The last time I saw him was August when he briefed us on the new rules and regulations as he always did.

“I’m sure he will have had many nagging phone calls on a Monday morning and he always handled that brilliantly.

“He will be a huge loss to the game and my condolences to his family.

“I knew he was ill, but it’s still a shock when it comes and I think he will be a big miss. I think he is going to take some replacing.”

READ MORE: SFA head of referee operations John Fleming dies aged 62

Fleming enjoyed a successful career as a match official. He was appointed to Category One status in 1994 and performed as a FIFA assistant referee from 1994 to 1997. He was part of Scotland’s officiating team at Euro ‘96.

He joined the SFA referee development department in 2009 and oversaw the training and development of match officials at all levels and implemented a new structure to enhance referee recruitment and retention.

His work was recognised across the world game. He was appointed as a Referee Observer for UEFA and joined illustrious names such as Pierluigi Collina and Massimo Busacca on the Technical Advisory Panel of the International Football Association Board – world football’s lawmakers.

SFA president Rod Petrie said: “We will miss a trusted colleague, a man of honour and principle, and a dear friend.”