TRIBUTES have been paid to Okehampton Argyle stalwart and former Exeter City player Colin Beer, who died on Saturday morning.

A renowned figure on the local football scene, Colin played football until he was 47. His playing career started with youth football at Okehampton before joining Exbourne and Jacobstowe FC at the age of 16.

In the 1954-55 season, the year Exbourne won the Devon Junior Cup, Colin netted a season total of 87 goals.

His form earned him a move to Exeter City’s a-side and he became a part-time pro with the reserves in the Southern League. He made a handful of first team appearances for Exeter City, scoring twice on his first-team debut against Southend United.

Colin went on to play for Bideford and Bridgwater in the Western League before coming home to play for Okehampton in 1962 at the age of 27. He was a regular goalscorer for the team and carried on playing until 1982, at the age of 47.

He remained a huge figure in Okehampton Argyle after his playing days were finished, holding the role of club secretary for over 30 years. He held the role until 2005.

Charlie Bond, a former Okehampton Argyle secretary, who took over the post after Colin’s retirement, said: ‘Colin will be greatly missed by everyone at the club. He was a great servant to Okehampton Argyle as a player, manager and secretary for over 30 years.

‘He put an awful lot of hard work into the club, including helping to build the clubhouse. Even after he left the role of secretary he regularly came to support the club both home and away.

‘He was a great guy and one I would consider a good friend as we travelled to so many matches together. He had so many good stories. The club will miss him greatly.’