WREXHAM fans are being asked to join in with a minutes applause at their next match, to remember a lifelong fan who died over the weekend.

Anthony Eyton Williams, known as Tony, died aged 88 on Sunday, October 22 after becoming 'unwell'.

A lifelong Wrexham fan, his family say he had been to every single Reds home match since 1946.

A video of Mr Williams and his grand-daughter, Emma Roberts, emotionally celebrating Wrexham's promotion back to the English Football League (EFL) went viral back in April. 

As a young man, he spent time in the army over in Germany before working at Brymbo Steelworks for many years.

When that shut, he became an architect, designing houses and also setting out the plans for the Homebase site now situated in town.

Mr Williams met his wife Eirwen at 15 years old and the pair were together for 66 years until she passed away seven years ago.

They had three children together; Myra, Gary and Susan, as well as six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren, which he 'adored'.

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The family is requesting that Wrexham fans join in with a minute's applause to remember Mr Williams during the 46th minute of the match against Sutton United at the STok Cae Ras on Tuesday, October 24. 

Announcing the news of his death on Twitter, alongside that video, grand-daughter Emma said: "My beloved grandad passed away yesterday aged 88, he's been to every home match since 1946 so glad he got to see them win promotion, the video showed below, could I ask the fans if they could do a minute applause on the 46th minute, please share."

Many Wrexham fans and former players paid tribute to Mr Williams underneath the post.

Wrexham's FA Cup hero Mickey Thomas said: "So sorry to hear of your loss Emma, lots of love to you and your family."

Fellow former Reds star Neil Roberts wrote: "Really sorry to hear this news Emma, will gladly support."

Speaking to the Leader, Emma said: "My grandad took me and my brother Andrew to the game from when we were young and we have always gone together.

"We have seen a few lows but the football we played last season to go up as champions was brilliant and my grandad looked forward to going there, the promotion night was incredible as you can see on the video and the final whistle went and he was so overjoyed and a few of the fans sitting round him said this is for you as you have kept them going all these years."

She added: "My grandad was my hero, he was such a loving grandad who would tell us stories and jokes, he was the first person to visit me when I was born and I was with him until the end.

"His favourite Wrexham game was at the Racecourse when they played Manchester United and he saw the Busby Babes play in 1957.

"I have asked the fans to join me in a 46th minute applause at the Racecourse against Sutton as his first game was in 1946 and he went to every home game until last week when he became unwell.

"I would also like to thank everyone, fans, friends and family for their kind wishes."