EDDIE Davies' legacy goes beyond football.

The one time Wanderers owner was a huge supporter of the arts and next week he was due to be the guest of honour at the opening of the multi-million pound Egyptology Gallery at Bolton Museum, which he helped finance.

Cllr John Byrne, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: "We are really saddened to hear of the passing of Eddie Davies.

"He was a big supporter of the arts and we are grateful for the support he gave to the new galleries. He was due to be the guest of honour at our grand opening next week.

"We know Eddie felt a real affinity for Bolton Museum, and he will be greatly missed."

Mr Davies' developed his passion for the art and culture at the museum as a child, something which stayed with him.

He 2012 he attended the opening of The Seven Treasurers exhibition ­— which featured pieces he acquired before he donated them to the Victoria and Albert Museum ­— brought to Bolton as part of a touring exhibition.

His contribution to the new galleries is set to make the museum a leading tourist attraction nationally and internationally.