Tributes have been paid to the “all time Newtown football legend” Keith Tanner who has died.

Newtown AFC released a heartfelt statement expressing the impact Keith had on the club as a former player, long-term volunteer, and head of the stewards at Latham Park.

“Keith was a pivotal player for the Robins in the 1960s and for over 40 years has been a volunteer at the club - anyone who has visited Latham Park would have been met by Keith,” the club said.

A minute's silence was held in Keith’s memory before Newtown’s 5-0 defeat to Penybont in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final at Latham Park on Saturday, May 11.

READ MORE:

On Newtown AFC’s Facebook page, more than 60 tributes have been posted in honour of the well-respected man who died on Thursday, May 9.

Patrick Lovell said he was sad to hear the loss of his former teammate and good friend. "Keith's commitment to the club over many years as a player and volunteer has been exemplary and he will be missed," he said.

Gareth Hughes shared his condolences, saying: "My first of many Newtown FC heroes. Great player, great clubman, great Newtonian - a wonderful man! You will be sorely missed".

Former Newtown AFC chairman Howard Ellis reminisced by saying he had fond memories of growing up and living in the same street as Keith on the Garth Owen estate.

"He will be missed by so many people especially at Newtown AFC,” he said.

"He was a well-known player in his younger days and on his retirement from football he was involved in many aspects of what was going on at the club where he eventually become head steward.

"Keith has served Newtown AFC in some capacity for probably 60 years.

"Mine and many other individuals who knew Keith through all these years send our heartfelt condolences out to the Pauline and the family."

Newtown-based athletics club Maldwyn Harriers also paid tribute to "lovely gentleman" Keith who helped organise the marshals for their races over many years.

"The club is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Keith Tanner. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends," a spokesperson for the club added.