By Mike Rowbottom
November 7 – Former Welsh international footballer Ivor Powell, whose role as the world’s oldest working football coach was recognised in 2006 by the Guinness Book of Records, has died aged 96 after a short illness.
Powell (pictured top and below, right) retired in 2010 after 37 years in his final coaching role at the University of Bath following a highly successful career that saw him play for Wales, Blackpool, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers, and then coach at Leeds United, Carlisle and PAOK of Greece.
Among his playing colleagues was Sir Stanley Matthews, who was best man at his wedding.
“Ivor was an outstanding individual, a real character and a tremendous inspiration to countless generations of students and to his many colleagues at the University,” Professor Kevin Edge, University of Bath’s deputy vice-chancellor, said.
“He will be sadly missed.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Ivor’s family and friends.”
Jess Garland, head netball coach at the University of Bath, added: “There are few people in life that have the ability to touch both the hearts and minds of so many but Ivor Powell had this capacity in abundance.
“People were drawn to his cheeky sense of humour, and the clear passion he had for the field of sport and coaching was infectious.
“It was 13 years ago that I first met Ivor, the morning of the passing of his dear friend Sir Stanley Matthews.
“Ivor’s storytelling was second to none and he inspired so many of us to strive for the best.
“His coaching mantra of the key characteristics of sports people and teams needing passion, determination, aggression, the will to win and consistency of performance will transcend to many and will act as a legacy to such a true gentleman.
“It was a true privilege to have known and worked alongside Ivor.”
The University of Bath launched the Ivor Powell Sports Scholarship on his retirement and last year Powell, MBE, was asked to unveil a bronze statue of himself to mark his years of service to the University of Bath.
The 18-inch tall statue was paid for by the University of Bath football alumni and Ted Baker, which has long-standing links with football at the University.
The statue was made by local sculptor Alan Dun, who created it from a photograph of Powell taking part in a training session at Aston Villa in the 1950s.
“The statue is very good,” said Powell after seeing it for the first time.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University and it was great to see so many people here today.”
The sculpture is now presented to winners of the Ivor Powell Award for Excellence in Coaching, which is awarded to a coach at the University at the annual Blues Awards ceremony.
In 2004 Powell was inducted to the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and in 2008 he was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
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