A Bargoed-born football coach, believed to be the world’s oldest, has hung up his boots at the rip old age of 93.
Mr Powell, who has worked as a coach at the University of Bath for the last 37 years, has seen a remarkable career that included playing for Wales, Blackpool, Queen’s Park Rangers and Aston Villa.
To mark his retirement the University of Bath has announced the creation of the Ivor Powell Sports Scholarship Fund.
Mr Powell was joined by family, friends and university staff and students past and present at a retirement celebration party this week.
However he will continue his involvement with University of Bath sport one day a week on a voluntary basis.
Messages were sent from around the world, including Australia, the USA and Switzerland, from alumni who were coached by My Powell, a former miner, during their time at the university.
Professor Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, said: “Ivor’s dedication and commitment to coaching and sport over nearly four decades here at Bath has been an inspiration to thousands of young people.
“I am delighted today sees the launch of a new scholarship in Ivor’s name which will provide a fitting and lasting legacy of the enormous impact he has made at the University.”
Mr Powell began working as a coach at the University of Bath in 1973. He started his working life in the mines of South Wales before entering a football career that saw him play for Queen’s Park Rangers, Aston Villa and Blackpool, as well as earning 14 caps for Wales.
At Blackpool he struck up a friendship with Sir Stanley Matthews, who went on to be best man at his wedding.
After retiring from playing football Ivor took up a coaching career that took him to Leeds United, Carlisle and PAOK of Greece, among others.
In 2004 he was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and in 2006 his role as the world’s oldest working football coach was recognised as a Guinness World Record.
He was made an MBE in the 2008 New Year’s Honours List.