TRIBUTES to our referees development officer Keith Buller have been flooding in following his untimely passing last Thursday night at the age of only 49.
While he was a much-loved and popular friend and colleague who will be sorely missed, Keith touched the lives of so many outside the association too, with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty and dedication to his work.
Which is why people from all quarters of county and country have been queuing up to pay tribute to a tireless soccer servant and wonderful man.
Weston-super-Mare official Kevin Johnson, who has been enjoying a first foray into the Football League limelight this season, admitted he’d felt “devastated” when informed of the sad news.
“I worked alongside Keith and travelled frequently with him over many years when he was a Conference referee and I was his assistant running the line,” he explained. “We enjoyed a really good relationship and he was such an honest character, and a funny man too.
“He was a real supporter of referees and it was typical of him that, as I progressed up the ladder, he seemed happier for me than I was for myself.”
Kevin, who took charge of his first Championship fixture in front of almost 30,000 spectators for the Wolves-Blackpool encounter at Molineux on Saturday, added: “A prime example of how Keith put others first came last year when I was down to referee the FA County Youth Cup final all the way over in Ipswich.
“Instead of just wishing me well he made sure a car-full of Somerset FA representatives were there in person to support me on the day. He organised that and it was Keith to a tee, a very passionate and honourable man.”
Kevin’s words were echoed by his opposite number, Gloucestershire FA’s own referees development officer (RDO), Steve Tanner.
The former Premier League and international official said: “I’d known Keith for some 30 years. We were on the Football League line together for about five years and words can’t describe how you feel when you hear news like this.
“It came as a shock because we’d been together on a two-day course at St George’s Park last month and he was just himself, always dedicated to what he did but going about it with a smile on his face.
“He was a genuine Mr Nice Guy who never lost his temper and I had the utmost respect for him, a true gentleman who wasn’t just well known Somerset way but right across the country.”
FA national referees development manager Roger Vaughan said Mr Buller had been “instrumental” in the successful recruitment and development of would-be officials in Somerset.
“When Keith became RDO with the Somerset FA, the quality of refereeing in the county reached a new level,” Roger maintained.
“He was a very good referee and assistant ref himself who always had time to support anyone, irrespective of their status in the game.
“Apart from his knee problems he was a very fit guy too, one who will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues.”
FA national referee manager Keith Stroud expressed his own “shock” at the news: “I first met Keith when we were colleagues and friends together as part of the National List of Assistant Referees back in 1999,” he explained. “Since then we have kept in contact through football and, more recently, in his role as RDO at Somerset FA.

“It is a very sad loss to the world of refereeing and the football family. Keith was always a team player and always put others before himself. One of life's true gentlemen, a colleague and a friend, never to be forgotten.”
Another who worked closely with Keith is county referees’ training officer Richard Melinn, who spoke fondly of “a proud Somerset boy who once played locally for his home village of Nether Stowey”.
In a glowing appraisal which came to us via email, Richard outlined Keith Buller’s exciting career as a local and national official, and paid his own respects to his “friend and colleague”.
Richard wrote: “Keith was a real sports fanatic and after his active refereeing career was brought to an early end due to injury, he played a bit of golf and skittles.
“In the early 1980s, while in his teens, he went on tour with Bridgwater Town, but knowing he wouldn’t be rated amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, he decided to take the referees course and qualified in November 1984.
“He progressed rapidly through the ranks of the former referees’ promotion ladder to class one status by 1988. During his early years, having learnt the required skills in the Taunton Saturday and Bridgwater Sunday leagues, he progressed through the Somerset Senior League on to the Western League linesman list in 1989.
“Keith was promoted to the referees list in 1991 and further promoted to the Football League linesman’s list in 1994, which he served on until a knee injury forced an early retirement.
“During his time as a Western League referee he was promoted to the National Conference Referees List. Early signs of his knee problem were evident and he was unable to referee at this demanding level, so he returned to the Western League scene.
“With his knee injury appearing to mend, he was again promoted to the referees list of the National Conference. Under the new reviewed referees ladder he was an accomplished Level 2 referee and during this time he enjoyed the challenges that came with the demands.
“Keith’s most notable appointment was in the latter stages of the Football League Cup when he was appointed as assistant referee for the quarter-final tie between Arsenal and Chelsea, an achievement he was always proud of.
“When he accepted the role of referees development officer he was determined to support those colleagues who aspired to reach the professional game, so they could enjoy the same experiences that he had enjoyed.”
Richard added: “During his active career he was a highly valued member of the Bridgwater and District Referees Association, serving the successful society for many years as treasurer, while latterly he held the reins of chairman for a year before he sought the role of RDO with Somerset FA.
“In the last two to three years he was involved in the merger of Bridgwater and Taunton RA’s and was actively involved as a committee member in the newly-merged West Somerset Referees Association. He supported his colleagues wholeheartedly with his commitment to refereeing.”
In 2010 Richard and Keith, who was a member of the Bridgwater Referees Association team which won the RA national quiz in Coventry in 2005, were selected by the FA to go to India on a development programme with the Indian FA, in relation to referee training.
Richard smiled: “We made many friends and it remained a highlight for Keith, who kept Bengal and Calcutta Referees Association badges he was given pinned to his desk!”
While many clubs in and around the county paused for silence ahead of their fixtures over the weekend, many people also took to social media networks to pay their respects.
Some officials took to refereeing forum www.refchat.co.uk to post messages. One of them, svenny76, wrote:  “RIP mate, a true footballing man that helped so many young and us older referees.
“He took my initial course and subsequent follow-ups and my promotion exam only a few months back. Always on the end of the phone for advice. All of us are still in shock.”

Twitter tributes include:‏
@kathycool77 - So sorry to hear about Keith Buller. Met him several times, such a lovely lovely man. Thoughts with his family and all of you x
@Robyn_Grimes - Keith Buller what a legend. My coach, my friend, my inspiration! A true football hero! Miss you Keith
@Manchester_FA - Our deepest condolences to all @SomersetFA & the family & friends of Keith Buller who has sadly passed away
@RefereesWorld - Extremely sad having received news at passing of Somerset rdo Keith Buller love for football and committed to referee development. RIP KB
@ChippKG - Thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Taught me a lot and was a role model.
@YeovilLadiesFC - Sincere condolences goes out to @SomersetFA RDO and amazing person Keith Buller who passed away last night. Thoughts with family/friends.
@ Cait_ollymurs_B - RIP Keith Buller, so passionate about refereeing and would help anyone! Such a nice guy! Will be missed by so many people
@ Ross_Rickard - Rip Keith Buller! Top man who helped me become a ref and also helped me improve as a ref as well, giving me many opportunities!
@RosieEggleston - Very saddened to hear about the loss of Keith Buller, a fantastic role model. Thoughts are with your family, and friends, rest peacefully.
@rockorockett90 - R. I. P KEITH BULLER. @pitbullkeith A brilliant man, who helped me a lot in my refereeing... Condolences to your wife and family
@BridgyTownLFC - Such saddening news to lose a very influential man in Somerset football. Loved a debate and always had time for you RIP Keith Buller
@SdogHarvey - what a man so charismatic and a true inspiration to everything I know and love about refereeing. He will be sorely missed #SFA
(@roger_goodwin) - Keith was a fantastic guy who was always happy to offer advice&support to Refs/RDOs.My thoughts are with you+family
(@DaniiSweeting - RIP Keith Buller. Will be greatly missed in the footballing community. Fantastic bloke
(@RefereesWorld) - Extremely sad having received news at passing of Somerset rdo Keith Buller love for football and committed to referee development. RIP KB
(@ChippKG - Awful news that about Keith Buller. Thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Taught me a lot and was a role model.

A UNIQUE OFFICIAL: Somerset FA staff share their own personal memories of the life of a ‘Pitbull’ with a gentle touch . . .

Jon Pike
(Chief Executive)
KEITH Buller enjoyed a long and distinguished career refereeing in Somerset. He was the first and, I believe, only man to have refereed the Premier Cup final twice, in 1999 and then 2005, which was staged at Huish Park where Yeovil Town played Odd Down in front of a crowd of over 2,000 people.
Fair enough, that bumper attendance had more to do with the fact Yeovil had just won the Division 2 title rather than Keith being a major draw! But it was nevertheless a memorable event for him.
He listed his other highlights as being assistant referee for the League Cup quarter-final in 1997 between Arsenal and Chelsea, while he also ran the line during the first leg of the 1994 FA Trophy semi-final first leg between Woking and Enfield.
Keith was a keen member of the local Bridgwater Referees Association, for which he held the posts of chairman, secretary and treasurer at different points. He listed a highlight as helping to organise the 75th anniversary of the society
He became involved with the management side of Somerset FA when he was called to the role of referees mentor co-ordinator in 2007, an honorary position which involved him appointing mentors to help and guide newly qualified and developing referees.
In August 2007 he was made SFA honorary referees officer, at a time when there were no full-time referees’ positions within the county. The referees’ officer carried out numerous tasks, from appointing officials to county cup games, appointing assessors, training and developing promotional candidates and numerous other duties.
At the end of the year, as part of the FA National Game Strategy, Somerset FA announced it would have a full-time referees’ development officer (RDO) and a member of staff, Keith, applied for the post. Following interviews with a very high calibre of applicant, he was the outstanding candidate and was appointed as SFA’s first RDO, taking up his duties from January 1, 2008.
This proved to be the ideal role for Keith as it allowed him the opportunity to work in an area he was passionate about - football in general and referees in particular. He was keen both to create new referees and to upskill and develop those already registered.
In post, he successfully oversaw an increase in the numbers of registered referees by more than 25 per cent from the time he became RDO. During his tenure, several female targeted referee courses took place, while he also helped train and develop a large number of younger referees. A qualified instructor himself, Keith often carried out the courses himself.
As well as training new referees, Keith was also keen to upskill and develop the existing referee workforce. He helped push through FA initiatives on mentoring and coaching, while aiding the development of the SFA Referees Academy.
He took great pride in seeing SFA officials moving through the ranks and achieve promotion to higher levels. He was always keen for referees to perform to the highest possible standards, from report writing and fitness through to appearance. Many a time, when they took part in the finals seminar, he would warn referees who had been appointed to a county cup final that if they didn’t have a county badge on their shirts, and white turnovers on their socks, for the big day, he knew of a referee who did, and THEY would have the appointment instead. Usually Keith would have badges and socks with him, which any worried referee who did not conform could buy . . .
Keith was also keen to embrace new forms of football, as he ran a series of futsal referees courses in order to train a number of referees, while also becoming qualified himself, to help source officials for the growing version of the small-sided game in Somerset.
Keith was always a champion of referees too. He would fight to protect them if they were right, although he wanted them to set the very highest standards and if any failed to meet them, they could expect no favours from him. Rare occasions when a referee failed to send in disciplinary reports after issuing a caution or sending off were a particular dislike of his.
As part of the Football Development team Keith enthusiastically took part in numerous development functions, from Charter Standard festivals, Youth Council events, county cup finals, of which he missed only one during his tenure, and the annual SFA presentation awards. He was an enthusiastic member of the team at all of them.
During this time his passion for photography saw him, along with wife Megan, become the official photographers for the county FA at our events. Numerous pictures he took have been used on our website, in magazines and other promotional items. One picture in particular that was used on a number of items was taken by Keith, although staff would enjoy winding him up by asking him to offer their congratulations to Megan on taking such a great photo!
Keith was an incredibly popular member of the team and liked by all his colleagues, although you would risk his ire if you took his scissors or marker pens! Nicknamed affectionately ‘Pit-bull’ by his colleagues, this was the most ironic of nicknames as he was a person who hated conflict. He engaged keenly in office social events and as a teetotaller he very often drove for any out-of-hours events, and even played the part of cupid between former employee Becky and current county development manager Brendan (the two are now married).
To the members of the office he was not just a colleague but a friend.
We all have particular memories of him that will long stay fresh in the memory. My own special one is that whenever there was a discussion about the cost of petrol in the office, we would remark how much cheaper it was in supermarkets, while he would inform us that supermarket petrol was of a lesser quality (they get it from the bottom of the tank apparently!) so that it will run out quicker than fuel bought from a petrol retailer. Therefore, he would insist, it was false economy.
As an employee Keith was an exemplary member of staff. Hardworking, conscientious and honest, he was a dream to manage, delivering what was required to the time demanded, although he hated to do minutes! He carried out the role of RDO superbly well: he was one of our best appointments.
As a company we have lost a great employee, Somerset FA has lost a wonderful RDO and, as his workmates, we have lost a great colleague.
More importantly we have lost a very good and dear friend, while everyone has lost a thoroughly decent and good man.
……………………………………………………………………….....
Brendan Dix
(County Development Manager)
Whenever anyone within the football community thinks of refereeing in Somerset, they instantly think of Keith, such is his stature and the impact he has had on refereeing in the county.
Keith was a hard-working, dedicated and respected colleague who would do anything to help anyone and wouldn’t ever think twice to go that extra mile for people. He has been a huge driving force in refereeing within the county over many years.
He wasn’t just my colleague, he was also my good friend who had a heart of gold and was one of the kindest individuals you could ever come across.
Keith was also close friends with my wife Becky and we along with Keith’s wife Megan would socialise away from work. Becky always referred to Keith as ‘Uncle Keith’ as he was so welcoming and would always look after you.
Keith became known to us in the office as ‘Pitbull’ and many a time ‘Pitbull’ would reminisce about his refereeing days, like the match where he booked ex-England international Ray Wilkins, to which Ray Wilkins responded: “You just wanted to book me for my name?”
And then there was former Arsenal player Ian Wright, who disagreed with Keith over a dubious offside decision (of course Keith was correct!).
He was a genuine, thoughtful and sincere man with a great sense of humour.  I’ll miss his stories, I’ll miss his humour and I’ll miss him.
………………………………………………………………………….
Rachael Edwards
(Disability & Equality Development Officer)
I have worked with Keith for over six years, sitting directly opposite him for the last five of them.
He started just before me and what struck me early on was how friendly and helpful he was, always checking in to make sure I was settling in okay, and because we live in the same area, we often shared lifts, either to Midsomer Norton or Glastonbury.
Keith was a very honest person, a great people person and so reliable. He was excellent at his job and so enthusiastic about his role and supporting new and existing referees.  I remember he was so pleased when I took the Basic Referees Course, while he supported and mentored me with my first six games and continued to attend my games to help me.
It’s safe to say my enthusiasm for refereeing is because of Keith. He would do anything for anyone to help them out; nothing was too big an ask for him and he would always be the first to offer as well.
Keith was not only a colleague but a good friend, and the beauty of living in the same area meant we spent time outside of work with his wife Megan, eating out or doing our most favourite thing, and going to the cinema. Most recently we watched the third Hobbit film together and ‘geeked’ at the special effects!
Keith was a thoughtful person and enjoyed making other people smile and feel happy. 
He is going to be missed by so many people because he affected so many in such a positive way, and he will be remembered for being a genuine person who loved helping others. 
I’m going to miss you Mr B; you’ve got me listening to Radio 2 and watching all the Big Bang Theory seasons again. We always said the first seven seasons are the best ones anyway - Penny had long hair!
………………………………………………………………………….
Aaron Clements
(Women & Girls’ Development Officer)
Without sounding clichéd, being the close family unit we are here at Somerset FA means Keith to me was not only a work colleague, he was also a friend.
He was the kindest, caring and most thoughtful person I have ever known and I never thought I would be in a situation to have to write this.
My earliest memory of Keith was when I started at the Somerset FA in 2009. Having not been included in the original Secret Santa draw, as I was a new member of staff, Keith didn’t want me to be left out and made a present for me. It is something I still have and something that holds greater significance to me now.
Nothing was too much trouble for Keith and he was always looking out for other people, whether it was phoning us all to see if we wanted a coffee, or offering to buy lunch at an event. Keith would never let me buy food at an event we were at, even if it was one that I was running and he was helping me with!
One thing I will always be grateful for is that if it wasn’t for Keith, I would never have got married in Greece and this is something that I will always be thankful to him for.
I remember him showing me the brochure of his wedding and thinking that this would be ideal. We both ended up getting married in Greece in 2012, both within a few months of each other. We shared many a tale of our wedding experiences after we’d tied the knot and I will be eternally grateful to Keith for opening my eyes to weddings abroad.
I will miss hearing Keith’s tales of his refereeing days, from Neil Warnock having a go, to David Ginola flying down the wing past him, to Ian Wright not being happy with him! Keith told these stories over and over again and I know that he was so very proud of his achievements within refereeing. He should be.
Keith always took great pride in his work equipment and resources and I always made sure that whenever I borrowed his scissors, for example, I put them straight back in his stationary holder after use! Otherwise we would never hear the end of it! I’ve lost track of the times I heard him say, “Has anyone got my scissors”?
There are a million things I could say, and stories I could tell, about Keith. I always thought of him as a gentle giant and I will miss him very much.

A huge thanks to Richard Melinn and Phill Wills for there input into the tributes and everybody else who has left tributes to Keith, we really are thankful.