Brewers mourn loss of Wembley hero Redfern

DAVE Redfern, part of the Burton Albion team that reached Wembley for the first time in the club’s history, has died at the age of 60.

A hard-working striker who once described himself as “the best non-scoring forward in non-league football”, he was a key member of the side that drew 0-0 with Kidderminster Harriers in the 1986-87 FA Trophy final, only to lose 2-1 in the replay.

Redfern, whose younger brother Simon was also a popular Brewers player, died in Italy, where he had made his home.

The Wembley final cemented Redfern’s place in Burton history. He was signed by manager Brian Fidler to partner prolific scorer Bob Gauden in attack and it proved a masterstroke.

Fidler’s team made remarkable progress in four knockout competitions, reaching the NPL Challenge Cup final at Maine Road, the Birmingham Senior Cup final and the semi-finals of the

GMAC Cup, but it was the Trophy run that the season will be remembered for.

Albion, in the second tier of non-league, were not expected to get to the final but defied the odds to beat higher-ranked opposition and book a date at the old twin towers.

Redfern scored two important goals in that run – the goal that clinched victory away to Conference side Northwich Victoria in Albion’s opening match and, most memorably, the solitary goal in the quarter-final replay at Eton Park against favourites Maidstone United.

“Everyone at Burton Albion is saddened to learn of the passing away of one of our 1987 Wembley team,” said Burton chairman Ben Robinson.

“That was one of the most memorable times in the club’s non-league days and Dave was a key player whose cup exploits are still talked about to this day.

“Our thoughts are with all his family and friends at this sad time.”