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Tributes paid to legendary football club stalwart Alan Banks


November 19, 2021 - 780 views

Colwyn Bay FC has announced the sad passing of the former secretary, director and committee member Alan Banks.

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.

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 the professional players with the club having to field an amateur side.

Alan along with fellow committee members including Glynne Owens, Margaret Jones, Don Williams and Dave Williams saved the club from extinction and the club re-established itself as one of the most respected clubs in Welsh and non league football.

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.

The club gained promotions up the pyramid which would see them reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 1992, but the club 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.

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

Alan, married to the late Glenda, 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.”

Bryn Jones:  “I am very sad to hear this news. I feel very privileged to have been associated with Alan for over 22 years at Colwyn Bay.

“Alan was a driving force off the field along with Glynne and Margaret and was instrumental in the club’s success during this period.

“I have lost a true friend and my thoughts are with all of the family at this time.”