Stars and fans pay tribute to ‘generous pioneer’ with a true love of the game
Last updated 11:14, Saturday, 08 November 2008
FORMER Gretna stars Gavin Skelton, Davie Irons and Derek Townsley today led the tributes to the club’s flamboyant ex-owner Brooks Mileson who died yesterday.
Mileson died in hospital at the age of 60 after being found unwell in the garden of his mansion at Blackford, near Carlisle.
Mileson had suffered from ill-health in the last few years, which led to him withdrawing his financial backing of the club he bankrolled to three successive championships, a Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park and into the UEFA Cup.
Cumbrian pair Skelton and Townsley were key players in the team which was the talk of the British game thanks to the colourful former owner, while Irons played for, coached and managed the club during its incredible rise from the Scottish Third Division to the Scottish Premier League.
Skelton, now with Kilmarnock, said: “It was an amazing journey with Gretna, and I’m very sad at the news about Brooks. It keeps football in perspective when you hear of the death of someone. Away from football, Brooks was a family man and I’m very sad for them about what’s happened.”
Townsley, now assistant-manager of Annan Athletic, said: “He has left me with a lot of great memories. I classed him as a friend as well as an employer and not everybody is lucky enough to say that.”
Irons, now manager of Greenock Morton, said: “He was one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. Apart from his family, football and Gretna gave him more enjoyment than anything else.
“I’ve hundreds of memories of him, but I’ll never forget the Scottish Cup Final when he was walking around Hampden with a huge smile on his face and wearing his Asda jeans.”
Former club physio Kenny Crichton, now with Falkirk, said: “I feel numb about it as it’s come as a huge shock. The only good thing is that he got to live his dream. He was flamboyant and he was also a real pioneer. What he did at Gretna was very exciting.”
Following Gretna’s demise last season after Mileson withdrew his financial support following illness, the club was revived as an amateur team.
Gretna 2008 chairman Anton Hodge said: “Brooks was a very kind and generous person who brought joy to sports fans throughout the UK with his help and support.”
Tributes have been posted to Mileson on the News & Star’s website from football fans all over Britain. John Stuart, of Carlisle, said: “You did more than most people will ever know, a very kind man who I’ll never forget.”
A Workington Reds fan, from Whitehaven, said: “A sad day for football. R.I.P Brooks your enthusiasm and love for the game at grass roots level was a revelation.”
Leave your tributes to Brooks Mileson at www.newsandstar.co.uk online.
ALittle@cngroup.co.uk
