TRIBUTES have been paid to former Wrexham AFC footballer Alan Fox who passed away yesterday.

Born in Holywell in 1936, Fox stands in eleventh place in the list of all-time appearances for Wrexham - eighth in the post-war era.

As a youth, he showed promise within the Flintshire schools system before taking up work as a painter and decorator while playing football with local side Carmel United.

He was recommended to Wrexham by former player Gib Bellis and signed initially on amateur terms.

He made his debut against Crewe Alexandra aged 17 in 1954.

A cultured centre half, Fox attracted the interest of Arsenal but remained loyal to Wrexham and stayed at The Racecourse.

 

Alan Fox.

Alan Fox.

 

Playing for the club from 1954 until 1965, Fox made a total of 412 appearances - 350 of which came in the league.

Of those 350 appearances for the club, 198 of them occurred consecutively from 1958 to 1963 as he did not miss a match.

Life after Wrexham, saw Fox make 64 appearances for Hartlepool United from 1965 under the management of Geoff Twentyman and Brian Clough.

When he retired he remained in the town with his family.

Alan was fondly remembered at Wrexham; he maintained a keen interest in Wrexham and regularly attended matches both home and away.

He also remained involved with the Former Players Association.

Describing him as "an iconic defender," a statement on Wrexham AFC's website reads: "Our thoughts are with Alan's family, friends and supporters.

"Thank you for your esteemed service, Alan."

On Hartlepool's website, Alan's son, Andrew spoke about his father's passion for both clubs.

He said: "'Pools and Wrexham were always the results he looked for every weekend. Whenever the two sides played eachother, he was always a guest and just wanted to see both teams do well.

"He always told the story of Brian Cloughs first day at Pools, he spoke to him and said, you'll be going to Bradford and playing your football there.

"He loved being a part of this town and community and I am glad he can be remembered for the great footballer he was."

A statement on the club's website says: "We are saddened to hear the news that former Poolie, Alan Fox passed away in the early hours of this morning.

“Everyone at Hartlepool United sends their thoughts and love to the Friends and Family of Alan Fox.”

Fox also turned out for Bradford City and Dundalk following his time at Wrexham and Hartlepool.

He was a Welsh youth international and went on to win Under-23 caps, before getting to the fringe of the full squad.

He was named in the preliminary squad for the 1958 World Cup which saw Wales reach the quarter-final stage.