TRIBUTES have been paid to the Welsh National League President, Peris Jones, who died on Saturday.

Mr Jones joined the WNL committee in 1960 and served the league in many capacities over his 59 years as a member.

He was a Welsh FA Councillor, also a founder member of the North East Wales Football Association, as well as their president.

Ray Reeves, who worked under Mr Jones as vice-president of the Welsh National League said that Mr Jones was a well-respected man who simply loved his football.

“He was revered by all who worked with him.

“He certainly had longevity in him that’s for sure, joining as a committee member in 1960, he was active in the running of the WNL up until the last couple of months when he fell ill.

“I’ve known him since 1984, and I’ve worked under him as vice-president for over 30 years, I grew to know him very well.

“His pure knowledge and wisdom of local football was simply second-to-none, he absolutely loved his football. In my opinion, he’s a true treasure of local Welsh footballing folklore.

“He was a man who always abided by the rule book, he attended every meeting. He was just so passionate, dedicated and devoted to what he did.

“Most of all though he was just a lovely man. He was quiet, and unassuming but he would always be up for a chat, he would come over and give you a cup of tea.

“Even when I was just refereeing, he would come over afterwards and have a chat with me, and he definitely wasn’t afraid to give me an honest opinion about my performance in that game.

“It really was a pleasure to play under him.”

As a mark of respect, the management of the league have asked all clubs to hold a minute silence before their matches this weekend, while some local teams made sure that this took place before their games this past weekend.