Perth Voice Interactive

INGLEWOOD UNITED legend Siegfried “Siggy” Kramer has died.

Involved with the club for more than 60 years, Kramer played for, managed and latterly was president of the club, retiring from his role just last year.

In recognition of his contribution to the game in WA, Kramer was inducted into the WA football hall of fame in 2002, awarded a centenary medal in 2003 and last year was made a life member of Football West.

IU president Luke Martin says the man everyone knew as Siggy was irreplaceable.

“Never mind the catch cry of a ‘gentleman of the game’, Siggy was the one true gentleman, in a world where they are few and far between,” he says. “Advice was freely given, a handshake was always offered. You will always remain in our hearts, and in this club’s soul.”

When the scrawny Kramer first played in goals for the-then Kiev Soccer Club in 1953, the game was more physical and the water-logged leather ball felt like a cannonball.

“I remember going up for a corner and the opposition striker went right through me, shoulder-charging me into the net,” he’d told the Voice earlier this year.

“Back then it was legal and the goal stood.

“I was only 67 kilos and the game was a lot rougher back then—it was a baptism of fire.”

The club’s goalie for 13 years, Kramer was offered the job of manager in 1967 by the club’s president—his dad.

“You know why he offered me the job?” Kramer asked rhetorically. “Because he didn’t have to pay me.”

He brought success to the club, guiding it to first division and top-four cup titles.

He went on to become club president and reckoned his biggest achievement was the $1 million, 1000-seat stand built at the ground in 2001.

Mt Lawley Liberal MP Michael Sutherland says Kramer was an old- school gem: “Siggy Kramer was a true old-world gentleman with a one-in-a-million personality,” he says.

“He was for many years the mainstay of Inglewood United soccer club who, year in year out, not only gave unselfishly of his time but was also a very generous donor to the club. “He will be sadly missed by the soccer fraternity and his many friends—we have all been enriched by his kindness and friendship.”

Born in Romania in 1937, Kramer was 13 when he and his family immigrated to Australia.

His memory will be honoured by Inglewood and Perth SC at Intiga Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK