Former Halifax winger Frank Brogan dies, 79

FORMER HALIAX Town winger Frank Brogan has died in Falkirk, aged 79.

Born in Stepps, Glasgow, in August 1942, his career saw him play top flight football in both Scotland and England, having joined Celtic straight from school.

After 48 appearances in four seasons for Celtic, Brogan joined Second Division Ipswich Town, then managed by Bill McGarry, and became a real crowd favourite.

He went on to make 203 league appearances and score 58 goals for the club but was sidelined throughout 1970-71 with a broken ankle.

He then moved to The Shay in November 1971, signed by manager Ray Henderson, and made an impressive start, scoring the game’s opening goal with a shot from outside the box on his debut in the match with Rotherham United, then notching Town’s goal in his second game in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

Sadly, however, Brogan had the misfortune to break his ankle for a second time in the 13th minute of his third match with Plymouth Argyle, an injury that ruled him out of the rest of the season. He reappeared in time for the start of the following campaign, but lost his place in the side under George Mulhall and was released upon the season’s close, having made a total of 32 senior appearances for the club, scoring six goals.

Brogan gave up the professional game and moved back to Scotland where he had a spell coaching Blantyre Celtic whilst managing several public houses. He latterly owned a fleet of taxis whilst living in Falkirk.