Tribute paid by Guiseley as club stalwart passes away

GUISELEY AFC Life Member and stalwart volunteer, and supporter of the club Brian Dove sadly passed away on Saturday aged 83.

Brian battled bravely and strongly but sadly passed away three days after his 83rd birthday with the news announced just before kick-off in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Workington.

The club commented in a tribute to Brian: “Brian first attended games at Nethermoor with his Dad as a very young boy in short trousers and he had the bug ever since, he was Guiseley through and through, Guiseley ran in his blood.

“The 83-year-old travelled thousands of miles up and down the country supporting the Lions home and away and started volunteering for the club around 33 years ago and was a valued member of the ‘Wednesday Gang’.

“After a conversation with Mike Parker Brian joined when Nethermoor was in a sorry state and the legendary Dove went on to complete several jobs over the years including pitch maitenance, DIY, cleaning the changing rooms after games and so much more.

“Brian worked with groundsmen Bob Mudd, Norman Jukes and Roger Whitworth over his years volunteering and he was always keen to praise his colleagues for the top notch playing surface, saying: “We worked under Bob as groundsman and then Norman Jukes and a Guiseley man named Hodgson but we are lucky to have had Roger Whitworth for a number of years now, he is first-class and under him the pitch has become a great surface and is a picture to look at. He really knows his stuff.”

“Dove would turn up every Wednesday and work alongside his friends, including Ken Hardwick, Alan Whitehead, Colin Sanderson, Bob Jeffray, Jeff Kenure and many others tirelessly making Nethermoor look pristine.

“Brian even pulled on the famous white Guiseley shirt a few times in his younger days but went on to enjoy playing and then managing the old Hawkhill FC team that was a follow on of the SS. Peter and Paul’s side.

“As a young man cricket was more Brian’s game and he had spells with Guiseley, Yeadon, Millom, Buckingham House, Netherfield (who played opposite Moon’s Mill) and James Ives Sports.

“In an interview in 2021 Brian detailed his best games watching the club and his favourite players to pull on the Guiseley shirt.

“The best Guiseley game Brian said he has witnessed was the 1991 FA Vase final against Gresley Rovers at Wembley which ended in a 4-4 draw. Another game that stood out in Brian’s memory is an FA Cup tie at Doncaster United. Brian recalled: “It was played on an open ground and to comply with FA rules they had placed a cable all round the ground to contain the spectators. Unfortunately it had come from a mining pit and everyone who leaned against it got covered in oil and grease!”

He added: “I used to like going to Salts when we played them, it was always a big match in those days as were the clashes with Yeadon Celtic and Rawdon Old Boys. It just shows how far Guiseley as a club have come when these used to be our big games. I remember going to Denaby United too, they were the first club I went to that had turnstiles!”

“He said that of the hundreds of players that have passed through the club in his time his favourite players over the years have been Nipper Davies, John France, Mick Stocks, Roy Baker and of more recent times Danny Ellis.

“Brian was always one to share a joke, his quick wit and funny tales will forever be remembered alongside that great, kind, human nature that really made him a one off, a true gentleman.

“After announcing his retirement from volunteer duties Brian was made a Life Member of the club at the back end of the 2022/23 season and was later presented with a bottle of whiskey and a commemorative glass by the Supporters’ Club as a thank you for all of his hard work over the years.

“Brian was always supported by his wife Pat and the couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2021.

“Brian also recalled the changes at Nethermoor from when he first attended games: “there was no fence around the pitch and it had the most basic of facilities, with players getting changed in the wooden hut that stood alongside the wall just below the bowls club.”

“The club has come a long way since I started coming here as a nipper. My Dad would have been really surprised to see how far the club has progressed and how there are now stands and turnstiles.”

“That progress is only possible because of people like Brian and our volunteers and supporters and Brian Dove has played a massive part in the changes over the years.

“Thank you, Brian, not only for your hard work but for just being you, you will be sorely missed by everyone at Nethermoor.

“Our thoughts are with Brian’s wife Pat, son Paul, daughter Alison and all his other family and friends at this sad time.”

After discussions have taken place with Brian’s family a full tribute will be paid at an upcoming home game.