Death of former Ilkeston Town FC official
One of the Nottingham and Derby area’s foremost authorities on non-league football, one-time Ilkeston Town secretary Harry Brazier, has died at the age of 94.
Formerly an RAF World War Two flyer, Harry covered the non-league scene in the 1960s and 1970s for BBC local radio and was a well-known figure on many grounds. His own career in the game was spent playing in the Midland Amateur Alliance league.
Harry grew up in Heanor, where his father was an official of Heanor Town FC between the world wars. His main allegiance was nevertheless always to Ilkeston Town and he attended both home and many away matches.
Ill-health eventually made it difficult for him to be at matches but in November 2017 Harry’s carers made arrangements for transport to the New Manor Ground, where the club entertained him in the VIP lounge. The team beat Uttoxeter Town 3-0 that afternoon to extend their winning run to ten matches, making it a memorable day for Harry.
He had special praise for the welcome he was given by Town manager Steve Chettle and other officials of the club.
More in the next Ilkeston Life paper.
Pics: Guest at the NMG last November;
Flight Sergeant Harry Brazier, 1943
