A FOOTBALL team’s playing field in Blaenau Gwent will be renamed in memory of a much-loved club secretary who died suddenly.

Abertillery Excelsiors AFC club secretary, Keith Williams, was described as a “true gentleman” who served the team for more than 40 years.

Tributes from across the Gwent football community poured in for Mr Williams following his death at the age of 64 last year.

Now, as a fitting tribute from the club he served, Woodland Field in Cwmtillery will be renamed the Keith Williams Field.

The renaming of the field was approved by Blaenau Gwent council’s executive committee following a request from the club.

Cllr Garth Collier told the meeting on Wednesday that the club is planning to hold a special day in memory of Mr Williams on Saturday, August 4.

Cllr Collier said: “The request is from the Abertillery Excelsiors football club. “Unfortunately one of their active members of 40 years experience lost his life last year.

“The request from the club is to rename the Woodland Field in memory of Keith Williams.”

Other examples of facilities in Blaenau Gwent named after individuals include the Eugene Cross Park in Ebbw Vale, the Burt Denning Centre in Brynmawr, the Jim Owen field in Cwmtillery and Windom Vowels Community Centre in Cwmtillery.

In a letter requesting the change, the club’s general secretary Matthew Thomas wrote: “We feel this will be a fitting tribute to a true gentleman whose service to football in our area has been colossal.”

Players and friends paid their respects to Mr Williams on Facebook and Twitter after his death.

Among those who paid tribute was Mark Abraham, the club’s social media manager, who said: “Keith was in many ways a beacon for the club, he lived and breathed his football and he was involved in many different aspects of it over the years, across a variety of levels.

“Keith was integral to the success of the club and the smooth running of it behind the scenes.

“He was what you consider to be one of the key aspects of the club. He was very well respected by people for his unwavering commitment and to say that he will be missed is a huge understatement.”