NEWPORT County AFC have led the tributes to former player and coach Allen Wood after his death this weekend aged 77.

Newport-born Wood made more than 150 appearances for County between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s.

After retiring he joined the club's coaching staff and in later life became chairman of the Former Players' Association.

"Everyone at the club was saddened to hear of the passing of Allen Wood over the weekend," said the Exiles in a statement.

"Allen played a key role in the Newport County AFC sides throughout the 1960’s and early 1970’s playing in every position.

"The ultimate utility player, he even played a full game in goal against Aldershot after both the first and second choice keepers had picked up injuries before the match!

"Allen made his debut for County in a 1-0 defeat to Port Vale in April 1966 and went on to make 183 appearances, scoring six goals.

"He maintained his involvement with the club after retirment as a member of the coaching staff and was part of the youth team coaching staff who coached manager Michael Flynn when he was coming through the ranks.

"Allen was also chairman of the Former Players Association and could always be found enjoying watching the County players train and play.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Allen's friends and family at this time."

Exiles boss Flynn posted a tribute on Twitter yesterday.

He wrote: "Devastated. Amazing man, great manager for me but an even better friend.

"I for one will miss our chats and your advice. RIP my friend. Thinking of the family at this sad time."

Speaking in 2014 about the Former Players' Association, Wood said: “Let’s face it, no matter in what era we played or managed, we rarely had the best of facilities and relatively few players can look at silverware – but what we always had was a camaraderie that was second to none.

“Perhaps it was that the club’s infrastructure was so threadbare that we formed such a bond and while I spent my entire career with my hometown club, I know that the amber crept into the blood of many others.”