CURRENT and former footballers paid tribute to an Abergavenny man who dedicated his life to local clubs.

Graham Jones, 74, died on Friday after suffering from lung cancer and emphysema for almost ten years.

Mr Jones, also known as George, a lifelong Llanfoist fan, died in Nevill Hall Hospital, where he spent the last seven weeks of his life.

Mr Jones has four sons, Ken, 49, Paul, 38, David, 51, and Nicky, 42.

Another son, Colin, died aged 32 in 1997 from a heart condition and Abergavenny Thursdays play a memorial match for him every year.

Mr Jones' wife Dorothy, or Dot, passed away in 2007.

A minute's silence was held at Saturday's match between Usk Town and Llanfoist in his honour.

Gwent Central League Secretary Ray Griffiths said: "He was a very popular man in football all his life and he will be sorely missed."

Ken said his father watched his favourite team play right until he was admitted to hospital: "He was always loyal to the local side. He was a very likeable man who got on with everybody."

Mr Jones' funeral is being held on Monday at St Mary's Church, Abergavenny.