Club secretary Ron Gilbert penned a touching tribute as the end came

THE very same day that saw the newly-formed Loughborough United poised to start the new season, Brush Sports FC secretary Ron Gilbert, penned a touching tribute to the club for the Echo.

Titled “Hail and Farewell” Mr Gilbert said that the close of season 1959-60 ended an era during which Brush Sports had provided Loughborough with semi-professional football.

“How well or ill, Brush carried out this self-imposed task is a matter of opinion, but now that role has been assumed by a ‘Town’ club it seems opportune to recall some of the events and personalities with which the club was involved and associated.”

Mr Gilbert recalled how the club won through to the FA Cup, and also another outstanding cup victory against Third Division Shrewsbury Town.

He also recalled the ‘flash of genius’ by Fred Shaman, skippering against Bedworth Town when he switched the forwards almost at the last minute to bring victory when defeat seemed the only possibility.

Touching on the club’s personalities, he spoke of Stan Hodges, Fred Sharman, Ken Holland, “Stras” Hoult, Reg Halton, Ron Grant, Albert Dumelow, Les Carrington, “Donah” Moore and Stan Wigmore.

He also paid tribute to the club’s backroom boys including Fred Bailey, Arthur Whyman and Harry Whitcroft.

He added that the team’s travels to matches were always an event: “Regular passengers with the team will recall that to travel on the club’s coach was a much anticipated event and win lose or draw, the jollifications on the return journey were ample reward for most cold, wet and miserable afternoons.

“Few will deny that they eagerly awaited “Donah” Moore’s rendering of The Spaniard who Blighted my Life, Ken Holland’s Sentimental Journey, the solo performance by Ken Hollis of I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen or the special choral arrangement of Moonlight and Roses for the benefit of trainer Harry Whitcroft.

“Interspersed would be

Donah’s ‘Have you heard this one’ and almost inevitably we hadn’t – sometimes!

“All who have at any time been connected with Brush will join with me in wishing Loughborough United well.

“I also hope that all those who, at some time or other, have advocated a ‘town’ team will join with me in a sincere and grateful farewell to an extremely friendly club – Brush Sports FC.”