 Aberystwyth Town Football Club were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of long-time stalwart and club legend Bryan Pugh-Jones, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, the 26th of August. A highly respected and popular figure at Park Avenue and the wider Aberystwyth community for over 60 years, Bryan devoted his life to the Black & Greens and Aberystwyth RNLI. He was a truly unique and modest individual who was a hard worker for his community in ways not many could match. Making 574 appearances and scoring 17 goals between 1959-80 for the 1st team - serving 10 of those years as captain - Bryan was part of the famous 60s defensive line alongside fellow ATFC legends Alan Blair and Derrick Dawson. He won 5 trophies in this time - 3x Mid Wales League Cup in 67/68, 70/71 and 73/74, Welsh Amateur Cup in 69/70 and the Central Wales Challenge Cup in 75/76. Following his long spell with the 1st team, Bryan would go on to play for the 2nd and 3rd teams until the early 90s, serving as a leader and role model for many generations of Seasiders. He represented Town in 5 decades from the 50s until the 90s, proving he was indeed Mr. ATFC. In recognition of his contribution to the club, Bryan was awarded the club’s first ever testimonial with names such as Geoff Hurst and Gerald Davies featuring in his honour. Bryan’s influence on the pitch didn’t end there - it extends two generations to the current day. His son-in-law Richie Jones played for and managed Aber Reserves for many years and both Bryan’s grandsons have represented the club, the eldest being current Seasider and inaugural holder of the Aberystwyth University Scholarship – Mathew Jones. Following his well-earned retirement from the hallowed Park Avenue pitch, Bryan devoted his time to maintaining it as he served as groundsman for over 20 years, having to deal with some challenging conditions to say the least! During this time, he was a source of wisdom, advice and countless stories from his playing days, making his acquaintance and unmistakable wit a true pleasure to all he encountered. In his later years, he passed on his duties to Phil Thomas who served until the installation of the current 3G pitch – the opening ceremony of which Bryan was involved. That same night, Bryan was appointed patron of the club in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Aberystwyth Town Football Club. His broad reach and influence across the community leaves a legacy that reaches from Park Avenue to the Aberystwyth RNLI and beyond. Bryan was a true pillar of society for over six decades and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to call him a friend and acquaintance. We at Aberystwyth Town extend our deepest sympathies to his widow Joan, his daughter Sharon, Richie and grandsons Mathew and Jamie during this difficult time. Flags at Park Avenue will be kept at half-mast and a minute’s silence will be observed before our next home fixture vs Airbus UK Broughton on Saturday, 7th of September. Bryan’s family have asked the Club to announce that his funeral will be at the Crematorium on Wednesday 4th September at 12pm, followed by a Reception at Parc Lodge. All are welcome.  Comments are closed.
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Gem Nesaf
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