A barrister by trade, Watson (pictured top) had been involved with the EHF since 1978 when he was appointed as the second honorary secretary of the organisation.

He served in that post for 11 years, acting as vice-president until 1993.

Watson was rewarded for the influential role he played with the EHF when he was made a member of honour that year.

He was instrumental in developing competitions for many EHF nations believing them to be vital to helping expand the sport in Europe.

Watson's other roles included being secretary of the International Hockey Federation's Disciplinary Committee for 28 years as well as President of the Great Britain Olympic Hockey Board and its fixtures secretary.

During his final year as honorary treasurer of the BOA – a post he held from 1980 to 1992 – he received the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Order of Merit and went on to become a BOA vice-president.

Watson was also pivotal in "professionalising" hockey and changes he brought in helped Britain's men win gold at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988.

Bob Watson's influential role in "professionalising" hockey helped Stephen Batchelor (foregound) and Team GB strike gold at the Seoul 1988 Olympics

EHF President Marijke Fleuren said: "In the modern age of the technology and the internet, we must remember the dedication of our past officers and board members who, like Robert, painstakingly devoted their time to the work of the EHF.

"With his vision and intellectual wit he could see the value of spreading and growing hockey throughout Europe.

"We are forever grateful to him for his hockey knowledge, his passion for our sport and his sense of fun.

"I know that I am joined by the entire hockey family in passing on my condolences to his wife, Maureen, at this difficult time."

In his youth Watson played tennis and rugby, and turned out for a number of hockey teams, including Sussex, Southgate, Llamas, Wizards, Lusitanians and East Grinstead.

He held long-established links with East Grinstead, whose manager Matt Jones also paid tribute to him.

"He had a wealth of experience in the hockey world," he said.

"He has been an amazing supporter for the club and he will be dearly missed."

East Grinstead held a minute's silence before its game against Southgate – both clubs captained by Watson.

A private cremation is to be followed by a thanksgiving service on September 25.

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