Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

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Paul USA

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Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

While playing golf in Cornwall last week, one of my mates wives spoke to me about her volunteer work at the Phyliss Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham. She had noticed I was dressed head to toe in Brentford casual clothing (Having just watched BFC v Swindon at Griffin Park on the TV) and she wanted to let me know that one of her patients used to play for Brentford.

She knew his name was Paul but did not know his last name. Neither could she tell me what illness he had as that is privilidged.

I asked to ask him if he would mind letting me know his full name etc. I also said that it would be nice to take him home to Griffin Park to watch a game if he was able to do so.

She called me today to say he was Paul Shrubb and that he is suffering from Motor Neuron disease. He was given a few years to live 7 years ago. But he is Brentford and he fights on.

I wrote to Mark Devlin soon as I had the information and asked if it would be possible to get seats for Paul and his Carer in the Players / Players family block - less than 5 minutes after sending the email Rosina from the Ticket Office was on the phone saying that Mark Devlin had asked she call me to sort it all out.

To show what a small world it is, I called Andy McCulloch who is a guest of mine on Sunday to ask if he would spend some time with Paul before the game on Sunday so as to talk about their time together at Brentford - That will not be a problem as it transpires that Andy is Godfather to Pauls eldest daughter !!

A couple of things

1st - Hats off once again to Mark Devlin

2nd - I think it would be nice if someone would like to start a thread sending best wishes to Paul. I would print it off and hand it to him on Sunday.

I spoke with Paul on the phone earlier this evening to let him know what Brentford had arranged and he is absolutly thrilled about going to the game and the fact that people at Brentford would even give him a thought after all these years. I explained to him what being part of the Brentford family meant and also told him we forgave him for his "slight" Fulham association before he joined Brentford.

We will make very sure that Paul has a great day to remember.
 
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Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Great work sir, well done for making this happen. And Mark Devlin can be my bestest friend, nearly everyday in the last 6 months there has been something positive/praising on here about the great work he does for this club, a real asset.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Paul played 182 games for us between 1976 and 1982, scoring 8 goals.

Aldershot held a testimonial for him back in 2007 and in the programme notes he wrote

'"even now over 30 years since I joined Brentford when I go back to Griffin Park I am always well received. They are a terrific family club and when you walk into the ground you just feel welcome. As much as I enjoyed my football I was never a big superstar or anything like that but when you go to Brentford they make you feel as though you are and it is fantastic whenever I return"
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Shrubby was one of my first Bees favourites. I remember him going in goal one game.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

wibs said:
Paul played 182 games for us between 1976 and 1982, scoring 8 goals.

Aldershot held a testimonial for him back in 2007 and in the programme notes he wrote

'"even now over 30 years since I joined Brentford when I go back to Griffin Park I am always well received. They are a terrific family club and when you walk into the ground you just feel welcome. As much as I enjoyed my football I was never a big superstar or anything like that but when you go to Brentford they make you feel as though you are and it is fantastic whenever I return"
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Wonderful words and great work Paul USA and Mr Devlin. Truly no end to how special and wonderful this club is
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

wibs said:
Paul played 182 games for us between 1976 and 1982, scoring 8 goals.

Aldershot held a testimonial for him back in 2007 and in the programme notes he wrote

'"even now over 30 years since I joined Brentford when I go back to Griffin Park I am always well received. They are a terrific family club and when you walk into the ground you just feel welcome. As much as I enjoyed my football I was never a big superstar or anything like that but when you go
to Brentford they make you feel as though you are and it is fantastic whenever I return"
Click to expand...

Well done to you and the club, that's a really nice thing to do for Shrubby- hope you get your reward and Paul has a fantastic day. Remember him as one of Bill Dodgins team, sweeper and midfielder who played in almost every position
during his time with us.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Great stuff.

Didn't know he was battling MN.

A key player in Dodgin's team. Solid, hard working, dependable. Yes, Phillips, McCulloch, Allder & co got all the plaudits but could never have done it without Shrubby. Great to know Andy Mac will be there as well.

Thanks Paul for your contribution to this great club of ours. Enjoy the day.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Brilliant Paul USA x
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Well done Paul........ How couldn't you remember he played alongside Andy Mac?? ;)

A lovely gesture, by yourself and the club, a hardworking little player, a fans favourite too. I remember Shrubby and Pat Kruse as a CB pairing in some games, that has to be our smallest CB pairing in history?!!

I mentioned the testimonial Aldershot arranged for him, as he had a good association with them many years ago after leaving Brentford.

Great work sir! :yes:
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Great work Paul. And well done to Mark D for acting so swiftly. Great memories of the late 70's early 80's era, with Len Bond being my Bees hero at the time. I'm in block 141 so will look out for you all, in the hope that I can shake the mans hand. Just love these stories of the bees family
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Have a great day Paul.

I too remember you going in goal for game, probably when Len Bond got injured.

Well done to Paul and Mark.

Once again goes to show what a great club we are.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

I remember Paul he aways gave 1oo per cent
he was mainly a defender cum midfielder but I remember Bill Dodgin playing him upfront for a few games
Think we signed him from st Hellenic a south african club
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Was a good lad was Shrubby. Nice to see Mr USA and Mark Devlin doing this, it speaks volumes for both and is a great testament to Brentford FC.

Enjoy your day Paul, I hope we do it for you. (OK, for me too!)
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

That's fantastic, Paul was playing in my first ever Bees game and I remember his time with us well. All the best Paul, great to know you'll be with us on Sunday :sorted:
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

FlyBee said:
That's fantastic, Paul was playing in my first ever Bees game and I remember his time with us well. All the best Paul, great to know you'll be with us on Sunday :sorted:
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Me too. I'm very happy to know he'll be at Wembley to see us get promotion!
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

This kind of story is what this club is all about. Great credit to all those involved and every wish in the world to Paul.S.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

I'm another one who remembers Paul Shrubb from their first Bees games. Recall a consistent, versatile 100% type player who I seem to visualise always smiling. Seem to remember someone living on Coates awalk estate around that time who said he was their cousin. Same surname so I believed them. Paul, you're obviously a battler and best wishes for everything. Hope you see The Bees win promotion at Wembley.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Mr Paul USA, your an absolute diamond. Well done Sir.
I recall Paul playing for us many years ago. Really sorry to hear he has Motor Neuron disease. I know for sure he'll have a great time with you on Sunday.
It's threads like this that make me very proud to be associated with this club
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

This is example of why I'm proud to be a supporter of this great club. It would be great if the club really endeavoured to have an 'old boys' database so that they could invite them to games more often, especially on occasions such as these.

Never saw you play Paul, but have heard often you described as a fans favourite. Really glad you're battling and will be at Wembley for the celebration!
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Paul is in here, bottom row, third from left
 

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Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Didn't he wear the no 6 shirt a lot ? How about a one Paul shrubb on 6 minutes ?
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Nice one Paul Paul and mark!! Enjoy the say Mr shrubb. Not one pun on this thread and that is respect! Best wishes in your other fight
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

SKA BEE said:
Didn't he wear the no 6 shirt a lot ? How about a one Paul shrubb on 6 minutes ?
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Hmm, deserves a couple of minutes maybe...
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

SKA BEE said:
Didn't he wear the no 6 shirt a lot ? How about a one Paul shrubb on 6 minutes ?
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I thought that he tended to be no. 8 or 4 most of the time, but I may well be wrong! Sorry to read about your MN disease, Shrubby, but enjoy the day - let's hope that the result is right for all of us!

Apart form Andy Mac and Shrubby, does anyone know what other ex-players will be there on Sunday?
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

I remember paul well a good solid player in an exciting side.
Well done Paul USA and the brilliant Mark Devlin, this brings a bit of a tear to my eye.
I hope you have a great day and Brentford do you and us proud on and off the pitch on Sunday.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Seem to remember him wearing 2 and filling in at right back sometimes?
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Infatuated Bees Alter Ego said:
Paul is in here, bottom row, third from left
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That is one of my favourite photos of all time. The football team I fell in love with. Paul Shrubb was a part of that alongside Len Bond, Steve Phillips, Doug Allder and many others.

Well done to Paul USA and Mr. Devlin :sorted:
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

absenteebee said:
That is one of my favourite photos of all time. The football team I fell in love with. Paul Shrubb was a part of that alongside Len Bond, Steve Phillips, Doug Allder and many others.

Well done to Paul USA and Mr. Devlin :sorted:
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Brings back happy memories of my younger days watching Brentford with my Dad. Agree entirely with your sentiments.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Nice touch by the club well done Paul for sorting this out for Scrubby who is suffering from a most Dreadfull condition that a close friend of mine suffered from years ago.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Paul Shrubb was a terrific player for us and I am delighted that he will be present at Wembley.
I would like to thank Paul USA and Mr Devlin for sorting this out.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Infatuated Bees Alter Ego said:
Paul is in here, bottom row, third from left
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As I scrolled down, I was taken aback to see this photo. I got this photo blown up to poster size 30 years or so ago and it stilll hangs on my study wall. I admire it everyday and of course Paul is there with what I always assumed was the obligatory perm which was de rigeur at the time. Apologies Paul if it was your real barnet!

Brentford is a special club and this thread epitomises that better than anything else. For someone of my generation, Paul Shrubb is a hero. He will always be remembered by Bees fans.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

It was a perm. I remember around that time the Kevin Keegan perm was fashionable and a few Bees players had their's done. I remember laughing when Jackie Graham had his done. :)
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Its great to hear how Paul USA and the the club have looked after Paul Shrubb. I hope he (and the rest of us) has a cracking day and some fond memories of our beloved club come rushing back. I'm too young to see Shrubby play but all my family watched him regularly. Best of luck Shrubby for the future.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

What a lovely thing to do Mr. USA and Mr. Devlin !

Best wishes to Paul Shrubb, have a great day !!
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Best wishes, Paul.

Remember that you were an important player in a really attractive side to watch on their day. If you keep fighting like you did on the pitch, you'll come out ahead.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Shrubby played in no's 2,4,6,8 & 10, IIRC, during his time at GP.....

But I'm sure, not being home to check, that no.4 was his number in 77/78? After checking, No's 6, 4 & 2, were his regular shirts!

Wasn't this how PG used to say ot over the PA?!

"No.1 Len Bond - No.2 Danis Salman - No.3 Barry Tucker - No.4 Paul Shrubb - No.5 Pat Kruse - No.6 Willie Graham - No.7 Dave Carlton - No.8 Jackie Graham - No.9 Doug Allder - No.10 Andy McCullouch - No.11 Steve Phillips........ "

Oh the memories...... :love2:
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

We have had some good CB pairings in my time but Shrubb/Kruse was one of the best and at a good time for BFC. I wish Paul well, we never forget our former players and I'm sure he will be as tenacious in fighting this illness as he was as a player for us.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Well done to those involved and best wishes to Shrubby, hope we get the right result for him and us.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

jimchelsea said:
Brings back happy memories of my younger days watching Brentford with my Dad. Agree entirely with your sentiments.
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Same here. Sitting in the braemar stamping on the wooden floor making a huge noise and shouting "brentford, brentford" in time with the banging. The smell of rotton cigarette smoke and ralgex as the players came out. The floodlights on and the team of 77-80. Happy days.

All the best Paul, always a place for you at GP.
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Len Bond, Jim McNicholl, Barry Tucker... but Shrubby you were the man!

Hope you enjoy your day on Sunday.

Keep fighting.

Nick Hester
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

So glad to hear you're going to be back with the family on our big day Paul. You played just before our time but you sound like just the kind of 100% player Bees fans admire the most, and remember the longest. Just one more reason to win it!
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

teesbee said:
So glad to hear you're going to be back with the family on our big day Paul. You played just before our time but you sound like just the kind of 100% player Bees fans admire the most, and remember the longest. Just one more reason to win it!
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Just before my time really aswell, however I must have gone to matches he played in with my Dad and bro...sadly was too young to remember.

But reading this thread has given me goosebumps.

So pleased Paul will bee at Wembley on Sunday and I wish him all the best!
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Fantastic stuff. Well done to all involved.
Proud to be a Bee
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Sultan said:
It was a perm. I remember around that time the Kevin Keegan perm was fashionable and a few Bees players had their's done. I remember laughing when Jackie Graham had his done. :)
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Len Bond and Jim McNichol were the other perm wearers. Any more?
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

Paul was in the side when I first started coming to GP as a kid. Paul was a good player but also a tough, hard working little bugger.

Sad to hear about the illness Paul, just keep battling the bastard like you battled for the Bees mate and you will be around for a long time to come.

All the best and well done to all that got this arranged for Paul, top, top work.:sorted:
 

Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

paul's story ...Paul Shrubb

Paul was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in January 2006. MND is a degenerative disease that affects the stem cells of the motor neurones leading to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Paul’s symptoms started in November 2005, when he started suffering regularly from cramps in his right thumb.

Paul says, “As a former professional footballer, I was used to cramps in my legs, but not in my thumb!”

After his retirement from professional football, Paul continued spending his time running his window cleaning business that he set up aged 19. Paul says, “When I was playing football, I finished at 1pm, then be out cleaning clients’ windows, we didn’t get paid the huge salaries that footballers get today.”

After several months of pain Paul went to see his GP who referred him to a Consultant at Frimley Park Hospital then on to St Peter’s in Chertsey where he had more tests. Paul had to wait for several weeks to see what the prognosis was.

“When the Consultant told me I had to wait for the final test result, I was very apprehensive.
My family and I were due to go on holiday to Florida, but my Consultant reassured me and
suggested we go ahead with our plans. The diagnosis was made a few weeks later in January 2006.”

“After the diagnosis, my wife was very upset but not surprised as she had been researching my symptoms on the internet and her fears had become a reality. I was very scared and upset. I have four daughters and my first grandchild was on the way. I didn’t know what MND was or what having it meant for me, the Consultant said, I had two years left to live”.

At this stage Paul’s symptoms were slight “I was having really strange muscle cramps and spasms on my arms which I had no control over. It looked like aliens under my skin making it move”.

After the diagnosis, Paul informed his local GP. Paul’s GP suggested he come to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

Initially, Paul was able to continue working every day but in 2009, he stopped working full time as the pain in both his arms prevented him from carrying out the practical side of his job.

Paul has received support from the Physiotherapists, Complementary Therapists and Occupational Therapists who have offered him a holistic approach to the care he needs.

In addition Paul and his wife Judith attended the “Staying Power” course at the Hospice. The eight week course is designed to help patients and carers cope with unpleasant symptoms and ways to make daily life more manageable.

Paul says “The great thing about coming to the Hospice is being able to talk to others who are suffering from MND and how the disease affects them, as it’s very different for each
person. The Physiotherapy has helped me manage how much movement I can do without getting tired, the Occupational Therapists have helped me adapt my home to suit my illness and the Complementary Therapies especially the Reflexology really help soothe my pain.”

In the first stages of his illness Paul volunteered his time to the Day Hospice on a weekly basis and helped a fellow patient Ashley. Paul and Ashley worked on keeping fit and supporting each other through their respective illnesses. Unfortunately after 18 months 28 year old Ashley lost his battle with a brain tumour. “Ashley asked me to keep fit with him and I really enjoyed spending time with him.” For Paul MND has had the greatest impact on the use of his arms and also swallowing food can be problematic

Paul says, “I choose my meals very carefully. I had a very stressful situation when eating steak; I could not swallow it and nearly choked. I am finding it difficult to write and getting dressed
is not as easy as it used to be.”

Throughout Paul’s journey he has tried to remain upbeat. The support of his family and friends has really helped him along the way too. Paul’s family have also been incredibly supportive of the Hospice by organising various fundraising activities.

With the support from the Hospice, his wife of 36 years Judith and his four daughters keeping him on his toes, he is looking forward to living the remainder of his life to its fullest.

Since Maddison was born, Paul now has two more Grandchildren. When asked what does the Hospice mean to Paul he said, “I would like people to know that it costs a lot of money to run the
Hospice, but without donations and support from people it wouldn’t be here. For me and my family it has made a huge difference and without it, my illness would have got the better of me.”
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Paul Shrubb to attend Play Off Final

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