Billy Davies, 63, has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the running and upkeep of Chepstow Football Club. Born and bred in Chepstow, he began playing for the club at 17 and by the age of 23 he had become the club's manager.

Billy later married Linda and had two sons, Michael, 36, and Ian, 33, who both grew up playing at the football club.

For years he ran his own servicing company, alongside his continuing role at the club's original location at the current Tesco site on Station Road.

In fact, it was Billy who played an intricate part in saving the club from near extinction after the land on which the football ground was based, was sold to developers to build the new Tesco store.

Billy was involved in heavy negotiations with Monmouthshire council to find an alternative location for the club, and eventually the council granted permission for the club to relocate to grounds on Larkfield Road.

Billy said: "It was a terrible time. We argued and argued against the decision, and told the council they would need to find us suitable grounds to go to.

"To be honest, we didn't really want to go to Larkfield Road as a lot of the neighbours weren't happy about us going there - but we didn't really have much of a choice."

Over time, the ground slowly became 'home' to the players and staff, and Billy continued his management role as well as helping with the development of the Under 18s.

Following his retirement five years ago, instead of taking it easy and winding down, he stepped up his involvement with the club by becoming President, Treasurer, maintenance man and "general dogsbody" as he jokingly described his role.

"I pretty much do a bit of everything", he said.

"My best memories are going back about 13 years ago when the club was promoted back into the Welsh League. Chepstow Football Club is one of the original five members of the Welsh League and it was such a high point getting us back up there.

"Unfortunately, a few years ago we were demoted, but I often tell the lads "before I die I'll see to it we get back up there."

His oldest son, Michael took over the servicing company following his father's retirement and Ian is now manager at Chepstow FC. When asked to recall one of his fondest memories during his time at the club, he replied: "I remember playing my last ever game of football at the age of 49 alongside my two sons. I was only supposed to go on for 20 minutes, but ended up playing the full 90 minutes - whereas both my sons were substituted! I love to still give them a bit of stick over that."