Women’s Soccer Scene editors, Mark and Neil Brown, pay tribute to their father, who was a great supporter of the women’s game.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing on Tuesday morning of Ken Brown.
Ken – our father – has been a huge part of Women’s Soccer Scene since the formation of our magazine in September 2000 and is well known throughout the women’s game at all levels, both nationally and locally to us in Bristol.
Ken was a huge supporter of the women’s game and, over the years, travelled many thousands of miles across the country to watch and follow matches. He became a very popular figure amongst the top players, especially for the England and Wales teams, as well as with both FAs and most of the managers at the highest level.
Sadly, arthritis curtailed the distance he could travel in recent months as well as a brave battle with cancer, which he lost at the age of 80.
Women’s Soccer Scene editor Neil Brown said: “Dad loved watching women’s football and always looked forward to the next game, whichever level it was at. He had his opinions, and was never afraid to share them, but always because he cared deeply about the women’s game.
“He was always the person who would go and talk to people whilst I was busy conducting interviews and reporting on games. He would chat to players and officials and was well loved by all in the game as well as the others from the media including our good friends Jen O’Neill, Jacqui Oatley, Tony Leighton and so on. His contribution to our publication cannot be underestimated, we could not have done it without him.
“In recent times, when he wasn’t able to come with us, people kept asking me how he was and always passed on their best wishes, which he really appreciated.
“It is a desperately sad time for all of us and he leaves an immeasurable hole to be filled but we will carry on, just as he wanted. But at the same time, I cannot help feeling proud to be the son of such a popular and well liked man.”
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
