John died in early June and was a key member of that small army of supporters who went to enormous efforts to raise funds for the Club and Bees United and, just as importantly, to raise the profile of both in the local community, some 15 to 20 years ago.
The events he helped organise read like a greatest hits of supporter activity: sponsored walks to Wycombe; the overnight walk from Brighton to Brentford; the cycle ride to Brighton and of course the ultimate challenge, that walk to Hartlepool in 2005. John was always there in a support capacity with refreshments, first aid and soothing words of wisdom.
Most supporters would have engaged with John through the bucket collections for which he was a constant presence on the New Road side of the old ground. There was also the music nights in Stripes – for which John turned his hand to pretty much every job that needed doing.
The one constant you will always hear about John was that he was “a doer” – he wasn’t the sort of guy simply came up with his ideas and schemes, he had plenty of those, but he was entirely practical and was just as concerned with the practical details of who was doing what, when and how.
While John helped raise many thousands of pounds he went so much further than that. He was an early advocate for Bees United and was always going out of his way to sign up new members. He was a great supporter for the new stadium standing as a candidate in the 2002 local elections for the ABeeC Campaign (“A Future for Brentford FC in your Community). John also served as a BIAS Committee member and Bees United Board member.
The efforts by that group of supporters – some 15 to 20 years ago helped save the Club, it wasn’t just down to John but no one involved around the time is in any doubt that he was a key member, one who led by example and his sound common sense.
So, yes, after the end of that memorable season, it’s only right that we give thanks to Matthew Benham and his team who have taken us to heights none of us would have thought imaginable; but also please raise a glass to John Anderson who helped ensure that Brentford was able to survive when things were at their bleakest especially as we look forward to the new season.
Paul Stedman
