Tributes to long-standing Newport FC supporter

Tributes have been paid to Arthur Downer, a long-term volunteer, committee member and supporter of Newport Football Club, following his death last week.

In a touching post on Facebook, the club said: “Arthur was more than a volunteer for the club, he was friend and companion to everyone.
“In volunteering, he never flinched from a task set before him – in fact he would often be the first in line, whether it be heavy lifting, fence work or simply trailing a mower around. Whatever the task, Arthur would be off doing the job before anyone else even had time to think about it.
“But Arthur’s input to the club was far more than this. At meetings and debates, he would often be at the forefront with ideas and suggestions to promote the club.
“At no matter what level of importance or otherwise of the debate, Arthur’s views were always taken with the respect that they deserved, especially at his senior status after so many years at the club.

“So we have lost a dear friend, one of the central cogs of the workings of Newport (IW) FC; and to Arthur’s family we offer our most sincere condolences at your sad loss and can only say, ‘Thank you,’ for allowing us a share of his time.”