TRIBUTES have been paid to the president of Kewford Eagles FC whose tragic death after a road crash has rocked the successful football club.

Ian Pound, aged 57, lost his fight for life on February 6 at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after he was critically injured in the smash on Stourbridge Road, Bridgnorth, on January 13.

His daughter-in-law, Sarah Pound, said: “The hospital staff were wonderful and they really did try everything they could but unfortunately he could not be saved."

Ian, a construction manager from Wordsley, was the longest-serving member of the Kewford Eagles FC committee - having joined in early 1995 as team manager for a new under nine's team, assisted by his wife Wendy.

His love of the game and desire to do the best saw him become chairman in 2000 and president of the grassroots football club four years later.

Lynn Boleyn MBE, charity trustee of Kewford Eagles, said: “We will always hold very special memories of such a truly remarkable person who would go out of his way to help people.

"He was dedicated to grassroots football and Kewford Eagles in particular, spending many hours every week to ensure children could play football in a happy and safe environment and his memory will live on forever at Eagle Park.

"We know he will be very sorely missed by everyone whose lives he touched and our love, thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and all the family at this very sad time."

Ian was instrumental in shaping the club and helping to secure £800,000 funding from the Football Foundation towards the building of Eagle Park in Wall Heath - the new home for Kewford Eagles.

Comprising 11 football pitches, changing rooms and toilets, the facility was officially opened by Sir Trevor Brooking in April 2012 and will be a lasting legacy for future generations of children.

Ian was also secretary of Stourbridge & District Youth League for many years and named Black Country Sports Partnership's Volunteer Of The Year in 2006 - in recognition of his efforts to develop girls' football within the league, head up the organising committee for the first-ever girls' league and link up with Birmingham County FA Girls football development.

Bob Hickman, chairman and secretary of Stourbridge & District Youth Football League, said: "After many years of involvement with Kewford Eagles FC, Ian took that extra step and joined the SDYFL as club representative in 2004.

"He went on to become the league secretary and was instrumental in the setting up of the girls' football section. He represented the SDYFL at Birmingham County FA and in 2017 was made a vice-president of the league.

"During his time with league - Ian saw great strides in local youth football, many of which he was personally responsible for, and his experience and enthusiasm will be greatly missed."

As well as his wife Wendy - Ian, who was also shortlisted for the Duncan Edwards Award for Sport in 2013, leaves two sons, Adam and Lee, and grandchildren Nico and Eden.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday February 28 at 12.20pm at Stourbridge Crematorium.

Donations in his memory will be split between the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which airlifted him to hospital after the tragic crash, and critical care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; and they can be made via Farmer & Son funeral directors in Wordsley.