TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Worcester City Football Club 'legend' who died aged 79. 

Tony Speer ran his own accountancy business, alongside working as a club director during what was the most tumultuous time in Worcester City's recent history. 

A boyhood fan of the club who started supporting City during the 1950s, Mr Speer previously lived in Sunnyside Road, just a stone's throw away from City's old St George's Lane ground.

He then moved to Bilford Road where he lived until his death.  

Many of Worcester City's successes can be attributed to the time he spent keeping the club financially afloat. 

Mr Speer initially became chairman of The Blue Dragons Supporters Club, before later stepping into a director role at Worcester City. 

As Mr Speer took on the position, the club found themselves in significant financial troubles and, as the prospect of dissolving loomed more and more likely, a group - including Mr Speer - proved integral in keeping Worcester financially afloat. 

The club was saved due to the Save The City appeal along with running end-of-season galas - something which Tony was particularly vital in. 

His importance to the club cannot be understated, with some fans believing that without his hard work, the club would not even exist nowadays.

Raymond Martin, a fan of Worcester City said: "The word legend is used far too easily, but in Tony‘s case he certainly was a legend.

"Without the long hours Tony put in to help save the club, I doubt whether we would have a club now."

Mr Speer stepped down from his duties in 1988 when he was in his forties.

However, his love for the club did not waiver and he continued to follow the club at both St George's Lane and during their period ground sharing with Kidderminster Harriers and Bromsgrove Sporting. He was a regular at games up until his death. 

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Worcester City chairman Steve Goode said: “Tony was a massive part of the football club and followed the City through good and bad times.

"He was a former director, vice president and served on many committees of the club over many years.

"Tony and his family had sponsored the club over many seasons.

"Tony was always approachable and had great knowledge of the club and everybody involved with at City sends their deepest sympathies to his wife Win, his boys (James and Steve) and family.”