Born in Canterbury, Edwards moved up north to join the RAF at their base in Dishforth and signed the Seasiders in 1964, helping them to the FA Amateur Cup final at Wembley the following year.

After leaving the RAF, Roy moved to Redcar and worked for IC1.

Town goalkeeper at the time and former teammate Neville Pybus recalled: "On our way to Amateur Cup away games down south, we had to pick him up on the A1 motorway. He was a great player and played many times.

"He leaves his wife Maureen, son Martin (who is a goalkeeping coach) and his daughters. He will be missed," he added.

The thoughts of everyone at Whitby Town are with Roy's family and friends at this time.