Rest In Peace, John Brown

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our former goalkeeper John Brown (SCAN 741), who died on Thursday 16th May. He was 76 years of age.

Born in Bradford, he signed as a 16-year-old apprentice for Preston North End, making his first-team debut in 1966. Acting as an understudy to Alan Kelly, his opportunities were limited, but he was able to make 76 appearances at Deepdale.

He appeared at Edgeley Park in two spells, firstly joining on loan in the 1970-71 season, where he was signed to replace the injured Alan Ogley. He made his County debut versus Colchester United on 23rd October 1970 at Edgeley Park.  During this successful extended loan spell, which ended when he return to Preston in May 1971, he had made 26 appearances for The Hatters. A notable game against Notts County in March 1971 saw Brown, suffering with a shoulder injury, having to be substituted in goal by forward Jim Mulvaney.

He was to return permanently to Edgeley Park during the close season in 1975. He joined a struggling County side and after starting the season he was replaced by Paul Hopkinson. When he left at the end of the season, he had made a total of 43 appearances for the club.

After leaving County, he had a very successful spell at Wigan Athletic, joining them as a non League club and becoming their first ever Football League keeper in August 1978. After leaving Springfield Park, he joined Macclesfield Town.

He remained a resident of Preston and later worked as a bus driver with Preston Corporation.

We send our condolences to Johns family and friends at this sad time – may he rest in peace.

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