TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Reds promotion winning star and team-mate of the 'Busby Babes'.

Reg Holland, who was a full-back for Wrexham AFC in the 1960's, died on Thursday, January 3, age 78.

As a youngster he was on the books of Manchester United in the late 1950's and was part of an FA Youth Cup winning side that also featured 'Busby Babes' Sir Bobby Charlton, Wilf McGuinness, and Kenny Morgans.

The triumph saw the United youngsters beat a Chesterfield team featuring future England World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks.

Reg also won caps for England at schoolboy and youth level.

In March 1960, for a transfer fee of £2,000 Reg moved to the Racecourse Ground with two of his Manchester United colleagues, having made it as far as the substitutes bench at Old Trafford.

Over the next six years he went on to make almost 150 appearances for Wrexham and was a popular member of the 1961/62 team which won promotion to the old Third Division.

Paying tribute, former Reds team-mate Tecwyn Jones told the Leader he was "a really good player".

"I used to really get on with Reg", he said.

"He was a lovely lad, a smashing fella who joined with a couple of others from Manchester United, Peter Jones and Reg Hunter.

"I remember he used to live up by the shops in Rhosddu while he played for Wrexham and was a really good player. A true gent."

Reg Holland left Wrexham for a brief spell with Chester in 1966, before moving on to Altrincham.

After retiring from football he joined Staffordshire Police where he spent 27 years before retiring in 1994.

Reds supporters took to fans online messageboard to pay tribute.

Dixierob said: "Sad news, I remember Reg in that 61/62 team, excellent footballer. R.I.P Reg."

Another poster Billebadass added: "Again one of my childhood heroes has passed away. Rest in Peace Reg. and thank you for some great moments supporting the Reds in the early 60s."