Former Welsh international Woosnam dies

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has saluted Phil Woosnam following the former international's passing at the age of 80 on Friday.

An accomplished striker with the likes of Leyton Orient FC, West Ham United FC and Aston Villa FC between 1952 and 1966, Woosnam's career then extended from the pitch to the boardroom. After emigrating to the United States in 1966, Woosnam played and coached the Atlanta Chiefs FC before being appointed commissioner of the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1968, a post he held until 1983.

Born in the small mid-Wales village of Caersws, Woosnam's influence on the game in the United States was celebrated with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997. He was the driving force behind the expansion of the NASL during the period that a number of former European greats joined the league.

Woosnam scored three goals in 17 international appearances for Wales between 1959 and 1963. "The FAW would like to send their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Phil Woosnam at this sad time, whilst saluting his achievements in – and for – the game of football," said the FAW.