TRIBUTES have been paid to Colwyn Bay FC "legend" Alan Banks who has died aged 78.

Alan, former owner of Banks’ Newsagents in Old Colwyn, served as the football club's secretary, director and committee member over a period of more than three decades.

He became secretary in 1967, replacing Emlyn Davies and one of his first tasks amid the Welsh League North club’s dire financial problems was to sack professional players with the club having to field an amateur side.

Alan, along with fellow committee members, saved the club from extinction and the club re-established itself as one of the most respected clubs in Welsh and non league football.

Born in Walkden, Lancashire, Alan moved to the area as a young man and he became a member of the club’s committee in 1965.

The appointment of Bryn Jones as manager in 1982 was the catalyst for the most successful spell in the club’s history, with club switching to play in England in 1984.

It gained promotions up the pyramid which would see them reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 1992, but it was forced to play in exile for two seasons after refusing to join the League of Wales - and Alan was a crucial figure in the club’s continuation during a difficult time.

He retired as secretary after 34 years in the role at the end of the 2000/2001 season, coincidentally at the same time his good friend Bryn Jones stepped down as manager, marking the end of an era.

Married to the late Glenda, Alan was also well known in Old Colwyn having run Banks’ Newsagents in the village for many years.

Although no longer involved with the club, Alan remained a regular at Llanelian Road along with his sons David and Richard, who also share Alan’s great love of Bolton Wanderers.

Chairman Neil Coverley said: “Alan can be rightly described as a legend of this club.

“He has done so much for the club and was a constant during many changes, in good times and not so good.

“Colwyn Bay would not be the club it is today were it not for his huge contribution and as Bay fans we will forever be grateful for that. His passing is a sad loss.

“On behalf of everyone connected to the club I wish to extend deepest sympathies to David and Richard and the rest of the family.”