TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a devoted lifelong fan of Wrexham AFC.

Alan Holmes sadly passed away on Monday, September 16 aged 74. 

Born in Bradford, but raised in Pentre Broughton, Alan shared much of his childhood with his two brothers and sister.

He was a proud lifelong fan of Wrexham AFC and began to watch the team in 1962 when he was just 12-years-old. It was at a Wrexham game that he met his loving wife, Anne, who would sell the programmes while Alan counted the money in the office.

Alan and Anne shared 51 years of marriageAlan and Anne shared 51 years of marriage (Image: Joanne Lavery)

Together, they shared 51 happy years, with two daughters, Joanne and Sally, and two grandsons, Alex and Thomas.

In the late 1970s, Alan became a club steward and started taking his children to games who immediately became huge fans like their devoted father.

Daughter Jo said: "That's when my love affair with the club started. I was lucky enough to be a mascot on my 11th birthday in 1991 and Dad made a point of running onto the pitch with his camera to make sure he had a good photo of me with our then captain Jon Bowden and the other team captain.

"I later became a steward working alongside my Dad in the Yale Stand. He was a steward for approximately 30 years."

For most of his life, Alan was a builder and ran his own joinery business alongside work partner, Bill. He semi-retired at 65, but could never sit still, Jo says.

Alan shared his love of music with the familyAlan shared his love of music with the family (Image: Joanne Lavery) He was always passionate about music, a talent that runs in the family. Alan's choice of instrument was a bass guitar which led to him playing in various local bands over the years, including Wrexham band 'Out of the Blue.'

When Alan did eventually retire, he became a dedicated season ticket holder in the Mold Road Stand. However, his love of football certainly didn't get in the way of his family time, and Alan adored playing music with his grandsons. 

Alex, 18, has already been recognised for busking on the streets of Wrexham and at Mold Market. Together, they'd showcase Alex's talent and Alan would always be incredibly proud.

Alan with grandson, AlexAlan with grandson, Alex (Image: Joanne Lavery) Thomas shared Alan's passion for trains that run weekly at the Pant Yr Orchain.

"Dad just had a huge smile for everyone", daughter Jo said.

"He was always happy and would always have time for everyone. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."

The family is asking for a minute's applause at the Wrexham AFC v Northampton Town match on Saturday, October 5 during the 74th minute.

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Grandson Alex said: "We would absolutely love it if he could be honoured with a minute's applause for all his devotion to the club.

"We have lost the rock of the family. He was a rational, humble, and devoted man who loved the things he did and the people around him.

"Being my grandfather, he did a lot for me, but nothing compared to how he helped me begin on what will be a life long musical journey."

Alan Holmes will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.