MOSSLEY have been saddened to learn that club legend Alan ‘Bomber’ Brown has died aged 73.
Alan won two Northern Premier League titles with the Lilywhites during their glory days and was a member of their 1980 team which played at Wembley in the final of the FA Trophy.
Having appeared 446 times for Mossley between 1970-81, Alan was second in the all-time appearance list for the club.
And after reading some of the tributes on social media to his father, only child Chris said they made him “melt with pride”.
Alan came from footballing stock as his uncle was Frank Tomlinson who made 124 appearances for Oldham Athletic between 1946/51, scoring 29 goals.
Alan started his career as a right winger, like his uncle, before later switching to become right back.
Alan, who was born in Newton Heath, arrived at Mossley as a teenager in 1971 from then Football League side Bradford Park Avenue having been recommended to manager Don Wilson by then club scout Bob Murphy.
Ironically Frank Tomlinson also had a short spell as Bradford Park Avenue at the same time as Alan was at the club.
Affectionately known as ‘Bomber’, a nickname he shared with his more famous cousin, former West Brom striker Tony Brown, he made his debut for Mossley in a pre-season friendly at Blackpool Mechanics.
Alan scored twice on his home debut against Barnsley reserves and then again against a near full strength Huddersfield Town and had become a crowd favourite before the season had ever begun.
Two goals in his opening three league games further showcased his potential but he disappeared from the side after 16 games and no further goals.
It was the following December with George Sievwright as manager and Murphy as his assistant that Alan returned to the side.
By October 1973, Alan had been converted to right back, a position he held down for the next seven years until a broken leg against South Liverpool in April 1981 effectively ended his playing career as he decided to retire aged just 28.
Alan’s distinctive style, shirt cuffs held in hands and an almost bow-legged gait, saw him regularly darting forward as an overlapping full back while he tackled as hard an any natural defender.
He was the supporters’ player of the year in the all-conquering side of 1978-79 and he also appeared in several Northern Premier League representative sides as he was considered the best right back in the league for many years.
After retiring from semi-professional football, Alan continued in Sunday league for Church Inn, Failsworth; Museum Inn, Moston, and Streetbridge Inn, Hollinwood.
And when he gave up football completely Alan became an accomplished darts player winning leagues for the Smut Inn, Werneth.
Alan, who lived in Werneth, Oldham, was a joiner by trade and employed by Manchester City Council for 40 years.
Alan leaves partner Janet, son Chris and granddaughter Jessica.
Mossley have invited Alan’s family to the home game against Widnes on Saturday, October 1 along with members of the 1980 Wembley team as they want to pay respects as well as celebrating his football achievements with the club.
Former players are welcome to attend Alan’s funeral at Hollinwood Crematorium on Monday, October 3 (1.30pm) followed by a wake at the Royal Oak, Manchester Road, Werneth.