TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifelong Swansea City fan who played a part in saving the club from financial ruin.

Mike Kent died after a battle with motor neurone disease. He was 62 years old.

Mike, who was originally from Sandfields and later Gower Road, in Swansea, was a founder member of the Swansea City Supporters Trust and chaired many of their early meetings at a time when the football club was in a perilous financial position.

Former Supporters Trust chairman, Jon Parkhouse, said: "I and thousands of other Swans fans have lost a true friend.

"He was fully prepared and committed, determined, articulate, intelligent, single- minded, unconcerned with celebrity and the small-town limelight that some crave," he said.

"He was a true-to-the-cause foot soldier who was unquestionably prepared to step up to the plate and fully donate his time and energy for the cause."

Back in 2001 storm clouds were gathering over Swansea City.

Following relegation back to the basement division, owners Ninth Floor sold the club to managing director Mike Lewis for £1.

Soon after, Lewis was bought out by Australian- based businessman Tony Petty and another crisis loomed large on the horizon.

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First, Petty attempted to sack a string of first-team players, prompting fan demonstrations on the city's streets.

Fans arranged meetings to discuss ways to force him out of the club. And Mike Kent spoke to hundreds at those early meetings.

"His speech in the Brangwyn Hall in early July 2001 was the inspiration for me and hundreds of other fans to get behind the Trust," said Mr Parkhouse.

"Mike was the kind of person that every club, no matter how large or small, needs to ensure its long-term survival.

"In the early foundation days of the trust we, as supporters, were extremely fortunate to have had a solid backbone of people like Mike."

He said Mr Kent's work in the early days of the Supporter's Trust was instrumental in the campaign to eventually drive Tony Petty out of the Vetch Field when a consortium of local businessmen, spearheaded by former player Mel Nurse, eventually ousted Petty.

Mr Parkhouse added: "Mike was also prepared to do the spade work, the leafleting, the bucket collections, and one of his particular favourite pastimes, preaching to the unconverted and outright rude and ignorant about all things trust."

Leave your Lasting Tribute to Mike Kent

Mr Kent was also a black belt in karate and keen surfer.

He worked for technology company 3M in Gorseinon, where his scientific work often saw him travelling abroad.

Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, he still had a season ticket at the Liberty Stadium this year, even though he knew he was unable to use it.

Mr Parkhouse added: "Mike was extremely proud of the success of the trust and the influence it has in the current Swansea City board.

"It's a pity he won't be here to see the Swans back in the top flight, where hopefully they will be next season."