Brakes in silent tribute to Brown

A minute’s silence was held prior to the home clash with Weymouth, another of Brown’s former clubs.

Born in Tamworth, Brown was on Walsall’s books as an apprentice but left to join Paget Rangers.

The central defender was quickly snapped up by Brakes, making his debut on August 17 1974 at home to Kings Lynn.

The highlight of that season saw AP Leamington reach the first-round proper of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 at home to Southend United.

The following season Brakes again reached the first round of the FA Cup before bowing out to Stafford Rangers.

In his fourth and final season with the club, AP Leamington reached the second round of the FA Cup, with Brown having netted a hat-trick in the previous round, a rare occurrence for a central defender.

In February 1978, aged 25, he moved to Bournemouth for £5,000.

His Football League career spanned more than 300 games, taking in spells with Norwich City and Fulham before a return to Bournemouth.

He later played for non-league sides Weymouth and Poole Town before going on to manage Poole and Colchester United.

Brown’s funeral will be held at St Editha’s church, Tamworth on Thursday September 1 (noon).