Ex-Nottingham Forest and Coventry star Ronnie Rees passes away

Nottingham Forest FC Swansea City AFC
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A number of English football clubs are in mourning today after the news that former Wales winger, Ronnie Rees, had died at the age of 79.

Rees’ professional career took in spells at Coventry City, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest, with three of his four former clubs paying tribute to him on social media.

Able to play on either wing, Rees, who was born in Ystradgynlais, won both the Third Division and Second Division titles whilst with the Sky Blues, for whom he ended up making more than 200 appearances.

Capped by his national team in the 60s and 70s, Rees stayed in the Midlands and continued his footballing journey at the Baggies before a three year spell at Forest.

He finished his career back in his homeland with Swansea, a club he joined in 1972 for a record fee. Playing for them over 100 times, he cemented his legacy at the Swans before brief spells at both Haverfordwest and Merthyr Town.

After his playing days were over, he took on various roles including an administrative one at Cardiff City and as a car worker at Ford’s in Swansea.

At the age of 51 he suffered a life changing stroke which gradually took away his ability to walk and talk and led to him spending his later years in Hengoed Court Care Home.

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