TRIBUTES to a Powys and border football legend have poured in since the death of John Draycott earlier this month.

The former Shrewsbury Town player's memory was celebrated with a round of applause in the 86th minute of their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Wrexham on Sunday.

Brother Ken thanked all well-wishers for their condolences and paid tribute to his brother, who died at the age of 86, whose qualities as a football player continue to be remembered by those who watched him play as a commanding centre-half during the 1960s.

Ken said his brother overcame adversity to pursue his football dream having signed for Shrewsbury Town in 1958 before contracting TB.

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County Times: John Draycott (back, third left) with the Knighton Town team which played Shrewsbury Town in 1961.John Draycott (back, third left) with the Knighton Town team which played Cardiff City in 1961.

Ken said: "He was on the verge of playing for their first team when he contracted TB. Doctors told him he would never play football again. Due to sheer determination, after three years of his illness he went to play for Knighton Town in the old Mid wales league in 1961."

Draycott became a regular at Knighton for six years when he departed to join Llanidloes Town and another six year stint followed.

County Times: John Draycott (back, fourth left) with Llanidloes Town during the 1960s.John Draycott (back, fourth left) with Llanidloes Town  during the 1960s.

Ken said: "He absolutely loved Llani and the people.

"Rhayader Town offered him a job as player manager and he was there around three years when he retired to spend more time with his family.

"He always bought the County Times to see how his old teams were getting on and he would always go to the odd game with me to watch Llani."