A FOOTBALL manager killed during a training session in West Wickham on Friday (July 17) died from a single gun shot wound.
A post-mortem examination has revealed Ryan Musgrove died after a bullet punctured his heart, kidneys and spleen.
The 36-year-old was shot after a masked man burst from the bushes on Sparrows Den playing fields in Addington Road and opened fire with a hand gun.
Paramedics spent around 45 minutes battling to save Mr Musgrove but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.16pm.
A father from South Norwood, Mr Musgrove was first team manager at Coney Hall Football Club and was about to take training when he was killed.
The club’s secretary Kevin Imber said: “He was a fun guy, a good footballing man and as for life outside the club we did not know much about him.
“We never really discussed life away from the club - just about football.
“As far as a manager at the club he will be dearly missed. It was a big shock for everyone.
“Our sympathy and concern is with his family.”
Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting on the busy playing fields, popular with dog walkers.
The murder is being investigated by the homicide and serious crime command, led by Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane.
DCI McFarlane said: "Mr Musgrove parked at the side of the playing fields just after 6pm that evening.
"He walked through the gate and met two friends. The three men were standing talking at the side of the fields.
“Suddenly a man jumped out of the bushes, fired several shots with a small hand gun, then rode away on a mountain bike across the adjacent field in the direction of New Addington.”
He added: "The gunman appeared to deliberately target Mr Musgrove. He said nothing.
"I have no idea why Mr Musgrove was targeted.
"He had been going to the playing fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays regularly for football practice.”
Police say the gunman was wearing dark clothing and was between 5ft 10in and 6ft 2in tall. It is thought he was under 30 years old and possibly in his late teens.
When he struck, the suspect was wearing a hat that covered the whole of his head, large goggles and white surgical mask.
Anyone with any information should call 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Did you see what happened or did you know the man involved? Call the newsroom on 01689 885732.
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