TRIBUTES have poured in for a former Wrexham FC favourite who died earlier this week.
George Showell, 78, collapsed at Sainsbury’s in Wrexham on Tuesday.
In his career he won an FA Cup medal with Wolves in 1960 before joining Wrexham from Bristol City in 1966.
After his playing career ended in 1968 because of a recurring knee injury, the defender became a part of the coaching staff and was later a physiotherapist at the Racecourse until 1990.
He decided to retire after the Football League changed the rules so that physiotherapists were required to have qualifications to carry out the role.
Showell’s death comes shortly after the death of former Wrexham winger Steve Fox, who made more than 140 appearances for the Reds during the 1970s and 80s. He died earlier this month, aged 54, from cancer.
Paying tribute, Wrexham FC club secretary Geraint Parry said: “George is a person who generations of supporters will know having spent a quarter of a century at the club.
“He was a quiet character and got on with his work, but when you got to know him he always had time to talk to you.
“George never sought the limelight and it was a shame when the football league changed the rules.
“He moved on from the club after that but worked at the Maelor hospital and was also involved with Wrexham Rugby Club.
“People who worked at the hospital said he always had time to talk to them and would bring in his FA Cup medal to show if he was asked, but he never made a fuss about it.
“Back when I used to work on the programme, both he and Dixie McNeil would come into The Turf together after games and they’d just chat about the game. That was always nice.
“He’s a bit like Joey Jones in that he came from outside of Wrexham but became well known and people took him to their hearts.”
On Wrexham fan site Red Passion fans paid their tributes.
Quay Red wrote: “Great servant of the club. Top class defender who gave everything. Nice bloke too. RIP George.”
Mr F said: “As well as being a Wrexham legend, he was also such a lovely man. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Redrobinman added: “Sad news as another legend passes away. One of my first Wrexham heroes.
“I had the pleasure of meeting him and spending 90 minutes in his company during a match at the Isle of Man Football Festival in 1990.
“A football man through and through, as well as a genuinely nice person.”
Wrexham FC are now planning to pay tribute to Showell before the home game against Telford on Boxing Day.
Mr Parry added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family and we will do anything we can to give him a good send off.”