Farewell to a North Wales football legend – Llandudno FC stalwart Herbie Montgomery

He did so much to help Llandudno FC achieve the greatest period in its history and his contribution to North Wales football will never be forgotten.

Today we say a fond farewell to Herbie Montgomery (1944-2023) who has passed away after a long illness.

When Herbie took over Llandudno FC along with his late wife Molly in 1999, the club was about to dissolve, but they were determined to keep it going and as a family began running things voluntarily.

They worked alongside loyal supporters such as Ronnie Hughes, Bob Paton and Brian Jarvis to get the Seasiders on their feet.

From there on they sought sponsorship and investment to have the infrastructure in place which as the years went on made Maesdu Park a stadium to be proud of, creating a real community hub for the town. The installation of a 3G pitch in 2014 was a big step forward.

On the field, the club grew from strength to strength, winning the Cymru Alliance League title in 2014-15 and reaching the top flight Welsh Premier for the first time in its history.

They finished third in their first season and qualified for Europe.

Fittingly, in October 2016, Herbie Montgomery enjoyed perhaps his finest moment in football when he received Lifetime Achievement Award at the FAW Community Awards for his work in the Llandudno area.

He was handed his accolade before the Wales v Georgia World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium from Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs.

While not enjoying the best of health in recent years, Herbie remained an important guardian of Llandudno FC, with the Montgomery family continuing to play a major role in the club’s development, its academy a particular success.

His son, Grant, is the club’s record goalscorer and a former manager, daughter Dorothy (Doz) has done remarkable work behind the scenes over the years, ensuring Llandudno retained Domestic Licence and UEFA Licence status, while grandson Levi helps handle the Seasiders’ social media.

As Llandudno look to the future and target a return to the Cymru Premier, from which they were relegated in 2018-19, its past and the contribution Herbie Montgomery made for more than 20 years will always form a crucial chapter in the club’s history.

I will never forget his warm smile, lovely speaking voice, shouts of encouragement from the stands and a constant willingness to help.

Herbie’s wife, club matriarch Molly Montgomery, passed away in 2009. Two club and town legends are now reunited forever.

Funeral Amendment

A change of time for Herbie Montgomery’s funeral. It will now start at 11:45 am on Saturday at 9 Ffordd Gwynedd.

He will make his final journey past Llandudno Football Club at 12:40 before heading to Llanrhos. A celebration of his life will take place at The Clubhouse after.