Former Dons winger Ray Colfar’s dashing displays down the flanks at Plough Lane will be remembered by our older supporters and he played in a Wimbledon team renowned for being one of the leading lights in non league football.
Mick Pugh, Secretary of the Wimbledon Old Players’ Association, has put together a tribute to Ray, who recently died at the age of 85, and this is published in full below.
Ray Colfar, a popular former Dons winger, passed away recently and tributes have been paid by fans and the clubs that he played for in a long and successful career. Ray (pictured in match action above right) was 85, but he is still remembered by many who saw him play, including me. Ray was born in Liverpool and after a move down south he was quickly spotted as a fast and very direct winger. He was more at home on the left flank, but Ray would happily play on the right, where he was equally effective as an accurate crosser of the ball.
Ray played for a number of local clubs, starting his senior career with Sutton United, where he was spotted by scouts from Crystal Palace, who promptly signed him. Ray played more than 40 times for the Eagles before moving on to Cambridge United in 1962 and then to Headington United (later Oxford United) until 1964 . His move to Guildford City brought him to the attention of Wimbledon and eventually the Dons were able to sign Ray in 1968.
The left wing slot became a permanent position for two seasons, Ray playing alongside players including John O’Mara, Ian Cooke, Dickie Guy and captain Roy Law. He made 60 appearances in total and scored four league goals with 10 in all competitions. Ray was a provider with his great crosses, creating chances for the other forwards, and his contribution was much valued by the management team, led by Les Henley. He also played for Epsom and Ewell, another club that valued his contribution highly.
From his early life in Liverpool, Ray moved down to Surrey in early 1951, where his career and family life began. After he retired as a player, Ray worked for Granada Television as an engineer, before moving to United Racecourses. He also enjoyed working as a golf caddy for several years. Ray was a dedicated family man and leaves wife, Mary, and his three sons Lester, Mark and Paul, plus two grandsons, Joe and Justin.
Ray will be remembered by many older fans from the clubs he served so well and he made a fine contribution to Wimbledon Football Club. R.I.P.