Tribute to a much-loved financial expert whose skills once saved Bangor City FC from possible extinction

Tributes have been paid to a former commercial manager of Bangor City who passed away last month at the age of 61.

Malcolm Roberts, from Llanfairfechan, was involved with City in the 1970’s and 80’s and his financial expertise once helped keep the club afloat during a precarious period in its history.

Malcolm was also well known for chairing an appeal fund set up for Dewi Atherton, one of Bangor’s finest players of the era, who died in 1987 from Motor Neurone Disease.

More than £18,000 was raised and Malcolm said coordinating the appeal was an easy task as Dewi was such a popular character.

Former Bangor City manager Colin Hawkins, who filled many other roles at the club over the years, paid a fond tribute to his good friend.

“Malcolm replaced me as commercial manager at Bangor City when I was promoted to general manager,” said Colin, who later managed Cemaes Bay and Porthmadog.

“He was invaluable at raising finance for the club’s inaugural season in the Conference in 1978. Without his financial acumen in raising funds and sponsorship it’s doubtful we could have survived.

“Malcolm had the disability of only having one arm, he loved training with the team, even doing the press-ups one handed, I have great memories of a fantastic bloke, I was regularly in touch with him, even getting daily reports on his family boating holiday pre-lockdown.

“Malcolm wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, we love and miss you mate, gone far too soon.”

In 1984, Malcolm started up Accent Properties in Llanfairfechan, of which he was a director. He offered a fresh new approach to property sales and lettings and Accent became one of the longest established agents in North Wales.

Malcolm had a wealth of experience in all property matters, including construction, and was a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

Accent developed into one of North Wales’ oldest and most respected residential sales and letting agents with offices in Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr.

Away from the workplace Malcolm loved walking, travel and locally produced ‘Real Ales’.

On Saturday, May 15, 30 runners will participate in a 5k in Malcolm’s memory, starting at the Prom Jetty in Llanfairfechan at 9 am.

Nearly £700 has already been raised through the event for the British Heart Foundation and it is hoped the £1,000 barrier can be broken.