President of Tipton Town Football Club dies at age of 77

Mr Powell, known as Bill and a former chairman and secretary of the club, has been hailed as an upstanding man. He died on December 22 after a long illness and leaves his wife, Dorothy, 67, daughters, Kim, 43, Debbie, 41, son, John, 37 and three grandchildren.

Mr Powell was a prime mover in the formation of the club more than 60 years ago. It was initially known as Ocker Hill United FC, where he began as a young secretary, a position he held for many years during which time the club rebranded itself as Tipton Town.

His widow Dorothy today paid tribute to her husband. She said: "He was just a very kind and generous man and he was a loving father and grandfather."

Mrs Powell added he also did a lot of work for the Conservative Party and was a keen helper with Morton Church in Crickheath, near Oswestry in Shropshire.

Mr Powell was renowned as a durable competitor, endeavouring to ensure his teams were cast in the same mould and the club gained many successes and admirers as a result.

Current club chairman and friend of Mr Powell for more than 50 years, John Cross said today: "He was an excellent man and father. He will be sadly missed."

Mr Powell, a former specialised steel industry worker, lived in Knockin, for the past 20 years.

Mr Cross added: "Living out a few miles from Oswestry for the last 20 years or so he still maintained contact with the club and made the effort to travel back to the Black Country about half a dozen times each year to watch the club's home games."

Mr Powell's funeral will take place on January 8 at Morton Church at 10.30am.