FORMER Greenock Juniors chairman Alex Wilson has been honoured by the game's governing body with a special posthumous award.

Alex, who served at the club for 37 years and played for them as a teenager, tragically died at the age of 69 following a massive stroke in October.

He played a massive part in saving the club when it hit trouble a couple of years ago.

His huge contribution to junior football has now been recognised with a long service award from the Scottish Junior Football Association.

His grandson Kyle, who is club secretary, says it's a fitting tribute to his beloved grandfather.

Kyle, 23, a police officer, said: "It's a great honour.

"His dad was one of the founders of the club and he had strong families ties to it.

"My grandfather made his playing debut with Greenock Juniors when he was 15, he scored a hat-trick and signed for them not long after that."

Alex inspired Kyle to get involved with the club and took him along to matches when he was young.

Kyle has been secretary for the last four seasons.

The 23-year-old says the past few months have been very difficult for all the family, his mum Karen and his aunt Jennifer since the loss of Alex.

Kyle said: "He worked in the shipyards since he was 15. Morton were looking to sign him but his dad made him go into the shipyards.

"He had only retired a few years before he died.

"He was a serious man but partial to having a laugh and a joke.

"He is missed by us all."

Alex's award will take pride of place in the club lounge and plans are in place to frame Alex's old Greenock Juniors number 11 top and put it on display.

Kyle has also established an Alex Wilson Memorial Shield as a tribute.

Current club chairman Tommy Sutherland said: "It's fantastic Alex has been given this award.

"It is well deserved for everything he he's done for Greenock Juniors.

"I don't think they would be in existence if it hadn't been for Alex.

"I got on great with Alex, he was a great football man.

"He gave everything to that club. His grandson is secretary and his family were all involved. It was his whole life."

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Pictured are Tom Johnston, secretary of the Scottish Junior Football Association and President Felix McKenna