Ronnie Rees dead at 79: Wales footballer passes away as former clubs pays heartbreaking tribute

FORMER Wales star Ronnie Rees has died at the age of 79.

The iconic winger, who scored three goals in 39 games for his country, passed away on Tuesday.

Former Wales star Ronnie Rees has passed away aged 79Getty

And tributes have flooded in from his former clubs.

Rees enjoyed a fine career at the top, playing for Coventry City, West Brom, Nottingham Forest and Swansea.

Coventry said: “Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former player Ronnie Rees.

“Ronnie, who has sadly passed away at the age of 79, was widely considered one of most exciting talents of the 1960s and the Sky Blue Revolution – starring in Third Division and Second Division title triumphs.

“Our condolences are with family and friends of Ronnie at this sad time.”

West Brom tweeted: “We’re desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former Albion winger, Ronnie Rees.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ronnie’s friends and family at this tragic time.”

Swansea added: “Everyone at Swansea City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Ronnie Rees at the age of 79.

GettyRees (bottom, far right) won two titles playing for Coventry City[/caption]

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ronnie’s friends and family at this sad time.”

The ace began his senior career at Coventry, scoring 42 goals in 230 games between 1962 and 1968 while winning two titles.

Rees then spent a year at West Brom, where he netted six times in 40 games.

In 1969 he secured a move to Nottingham Forest.

And he became a fan favourite during a three-year spell with nine goals in 76 outings.

Rees’ final major spell came at Swansea, where he scored five times in 89 games before leaving in 1975.

He then had a brief spell with Haverfordwest, but ended up calling time on his career that same year.

After quitting the beautiful game, Rees worked on cars at Ford before becoming an administrator with Cardiff City.

He suffered a stroke aged 51 which affected his speech and mobility in his later years.