Gerry Cakebread RIP
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larrysigny
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I posted this elsewhere - it sums up my feelings..............
I was greatly saddened to read on the official BFC site this morning that Gerry Cakebread had died.
I included him on my list earlier this week as one of the all-time Bees greats - and anyone who saw him play will remember him as not only (as I said) "the greatest goalkeeper never to have represented England" but as a gentleman and a sportsman.
A look at the official site will give the details of his amazing career - for myself, I know he was one of a rare breed. I feel a personal loss with his passing.
I was greatly saddened to read on the official BFC site this morning that Gerry Cakebread had died.
I included him on my list earlier this week as one of the all-time Bees greats - and anyone who saw him play will remember him as not only (as I said) "the greatest goalkeeper never to have represented England" but as a gentleman and a sportsman.
A look at the official site will give the details of his amazing career - for myself, I know he was one of a rare breed. I feel a personal loss with his passing.
Bee H
Brouilly Guzzler
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Gerry Cakebread RIP
Always wished that I had been able to see him play. Really sad. RIP to a true Brentford legend
West Wilts Bee
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Iwas lucky enough to see him. He was the first keeper I saw play for the bees.
RIP LEGEND.
RANCHO MIRAGE BEE
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I saw Gerry play many times,a true Brentford legend.
Always very sad to hear of the passing of ex Bees.
R.I.P. Gerry.
Always very sad to hear of the passing of ex Bees.
R.I.P. Gerry.
WarrenBee
Well-known member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Before my time, but my Father In Law use to rave about him.
RIP Gerry.
Minutes silence today I hope.
RIP Gerry.
Minutes silence today I hope.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
This is very sad news and all the more poignant because we first met up as teenagers via a mutual Southall Grammar School friend.I then used to meet up with him on the top of the 105 bus when he was on the way to the Admiralty Hydrographic Department in Cricklewood,change at Park Royal.This always gave me an opportunity of discussing the latest home game and nattering about Towers,Francis,Rainford and Coote.What memories.We revived these old times when he turned up for the centenary but alas no more.As has been said a fine player and a gentleman.
Brentford4
Member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I am very sad to hear this sad news. He was along with Towers, Coote and Francis my early Bees heros. He was a gentleman and one I am proud that he played for Brentford.
chippendale
Active member
DavidgRushden
DavidgRushden
Gerry Cakebread RIP
A truly "great" goalkeeper. I always remember my late father always saying when we got to the ground at home matches, that he always looked to see that Gerry was playing in goal in the match programme, so that he would have more confidence that we wouldn't be letting in any goals. RIP Gerry - you have left us with millions of great memories.
Bee4ever
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Gerry Cakebread RIP
I saw Gerry play many times and IMHO he was the best the Bees have ever had.
RIP
RIP
wanderer paul
https://brentfordfcmemorabilia.wordpress.com/
Ken Richardson
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Same here, the first keeper I remember seeing.I have my own personal memory of Gerry,which I posted earlier on this thread.He was a terrific goalkeeper and a real gentleman.A part-time player,a full time hero of mine. RIP Gerry.
oldgreenfordian
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Gerry Cakebread RIP
Richly deserved tributes from those who remember his great career with the Bees.
RIP Gerry, Brentford Legend.
RIP Gerry, Brentford Legend.
wayfarer172
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I cant add anymore to what has already been said already. . The word ''Great'' is banded around to much these days.
Gerry deserved to be called just that. One of the finest keepers we ever had imho.
RIP Gerry
Gerry deserved to be called just that. One of the finest keepers we ever had imho.
RIP Gerry
north wilts bee
Member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
One of if not the best goalkeeper, saw him many times, always composed and lead form the back. Even in those days kept a life away from football by contuing to work. Now a real star.
matt buzzbee
Member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Watched Gerry many times and have wonderful memories. A terrific goalkeeper and a fine human being. R I P Gerry.
becky
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Gerry Cakebread RIP
It's heart-warming at this difficult time to read all these kind words about my Dad. I will miss him terribly as he was at least as great a father and grandfather as he was a goalkeeper. You won't be surprised to learn that he didn't depart without a fight...
A special thank-you to "wanderer paul" for that lovely photo of Dad - it's cheered me up for a while...
A special thank-you to "wanderer paul" for that lovely photo of Dad - it's cheered me up for a while...
California Bee
Well-known member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Very sad to hear that Gerry Cakebread has died. He was one of my all-time Bees favourites and helped awaken in me a lasting devotion to the Brentford club. Gerry Cakebread always looked to be the perfect gentleman as those photos show.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Echo all the above. He was the regular goalie when I started watching the Bees as a boy and always gave you confidence. Fascinated to learn (for the first time) about his other career and his international honours, well deserved.
Alan D
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Can't add much to the above. He was the keeper when I first started supporting the Bees and IMHO there haven't been many better than him. Amazing that he was only a part part pro. Who knows what he may have achieved if he was full time. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
wanderer paul
https://brentfordfcmemorabilia.wordpress.com/
Gerry Cakebread RIP
thanks for the PM, that was the least i could do, i hope a BIG piece on Gerry Cakebread will be in the SOuthend or Swindon home programmes.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
So sad to hear this news. He was in goal for my first Saturday game at Griffin Park - I'd only been during the week before. It was against Gillingham & fairly early in his career. We lost 4-1, I believe, but that was the start of the team that lasted for the next 6 or 7 Seasons which was so good & so good to watch.
Gerry was a class act, talented, totally consistent & a vital part of that team. He will always be remembered as a true Brentford legend.
RIP
Gerry was a class act, talented, totally consistent & a vital part of that team. He will always be remembered as a true Brentford legend.
RIP
TW1Bee
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Like many others he was the first gk I saw at the Bees. Remember my first game in 1961 at home to Grimsby when he let in the only goal of the game. I can still see it now as if it were yesterday. Grimsby were a decent side and dominated the game but Gerry made some outstanding saves until he was finally beaten late on in the game by their no 11 a guy called Fell. It has been mentioned on another thread that he was such a talented gk that had he not decided to remain part-time and continue his career as a draughtsman (in those days he was probably earning far more than in fotball)it wasn't inconceivable that he could have gone on to a higher level and to the top, even playing for England. I am so sad and quite affected by this news as it evokes so many happy memories of that day my dad first took me to GP.
Obviously the news came too late to organise a minutes silence today but no doubt the club will be arranging something
Obviously the news came too late to organise a minutes silence today but no doubt the club will be arranging something
WarrenBee
Well-known member
Wightbee
Member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Gerry Cakebread possessed all the qualities mentioned, but his greatest quality was his bravery. He played many games carrying the cuts and bruises incurred in the previous game but it didn't effect his bravery one bit. He was fearless between the posts and made you feel proud to support the team he played for
A TRUE BEES LEGEND. R.I.P GERRY.
A TRUE BEES LEGEND. R.I.P GERRY.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I never saw Gerry play having, like wanderer paul, only started my journies to GP in 1973. Nevertheless I am deeply saddened by the passing of this Bees legend and my heartfelt sympathies go out to his family.
Very nice to see a couple of pics of him on this thread, he looks fit, healthy and happy in becky's pic, and I am glad to read that he was a great dad and grandfather.
It's sad that soon we'll see the passing of a generation of local, one-club footballers (or mainly one-club footballers) like Gerry. But that's progress I suppose.....
Very nice to see a couple of pics of him on this thread, he looks fit, healthy and happy in becky's pic, and I am glad to read that he was a great dad and grandfather.
It's sad that soon we'll see the passing of a generation of local, one-club footballers (or mainly one-club footballers) like Gerry. But that's progress I suppose.....
Wightbee
Member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I endorse everything said about Gerry Cakebread, of all his qualities his bravery was his greatest. He was fearless between the posts and no matter how many knocks he took it never effected his bravery. You made me proud to be a Brentford supporter.
A TRUE BEES LEGEND. R.I.P GERRY.
A TRUE BEES LEGEND. R.I.P GERRY.
Billy Hunt
445
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Simply the best...
I agree with all these tributes.
I had the privilege of seeing many of Gerry's Bees performances, home and away, from 1957.Brave, agile, consistent, commanding,and, sometimes, simply breathtaking.
As a schoolboy, I dreamed of being able to emulate him, and practised for hours by chucking a football against my bedroom wall and attempting to catch the rebound.. My Mum was not amused to find football marks all over the wallpaper!
I recall, also, collecting his stylish autograph, and treasuring it, because he really was a role model, and very popular with fans. We all realised that we were very lucky indeed to have such a brilliant keeper representing our club.
His passing away is almost like a bit of our childhood being taken away as well.
But, such wonderful memories.....He was simply the best.
I offer heartfelt sympathy to Gerry's family, and can assure them that Gerry's name will long live on at Brentford Football Club.
I agree with all these tributes.
I had the privilege of seeing many of Gerry's Bees performances, home and away, from 1957.Brave, agile, consistent, commanding,and, sometimes, simply breathtaking.
As a schoolboy, I dreamed of being able to emulate him, and practised for hours by chucking a football against my bedroom wall and attempting to catch the rebound.. My Mum was not amused to find football marks all over the wallpaper!
I recall, also, collecting his stylish autograph, and treasuring it, because he really was a role model, and very popular with fans. We all realised that we were very lucky indeed to have such a brilliant keeper representing our club.
His passing away is almost like a bit of our childhood being taken away as well.
But, such wonderful memories.....He was simply the best.
I offer heartfelt sympathy to Gerry's family, and can assure them that Gerry's name will long live on at Brentford Football Club.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
A tribute from Mel Collins
One of our well-known blind supporters, Councillor Mel Collins, has asked me to pass on the following comments:
" I offer my deepest condolences to Gerry Cakebread's family.
I followed the club througout Gerry's time at Brentford, and held him in the very highest regard, as a player and as a person.
Apart from his brilliance as a goalkeeper, he was popular and much-loved by supporters. He was a friendly chap, who made time to chat to fans.He was also well-liked by opposition fans, at away matches, as he would often have a bit of friendly banter with them as well.
His loss is a great shock to me and I am very saddened indeed at the passing away of a true Brentford legend.
Gerry Cakebread R.I.P."
One of our well-known blind supporters, Councillor Mel Collins, has asked me to pass on the following comments:
" I offer my deepest condolences to Gerry Cakebread's family.
I followed the club througout Gerry's time at Brentford, and held him in the very highest regard, as a player and as a person.
Apart from his brilliance as a goalkeeper, he was popular and much-loved by supporters. He was a friendly chap, who made time to chat to fans.He was also well-liked by opposition fans, at away matches, as he would often have a bit of friendly banter with them as well.
His loss is a great shock to me and I am very saddened indeed at the passing away of a true Brentford legend.
Gerry Cakebread R.I.P."
Inappropriate Smilies Bee
Well-known member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Gerry sounds a great man and a great goalkeeper.
RIP Gerry Cakebread.
A name synonymous with Brentford FC.
RIP Gerry Cakebread.
A name synonymous with Brentford FC.
nick logan
Well-known member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Gerry Cakebread was without doubt the greatest Brentford Goalkeeper I have seen.He also seems to have been quite a guy in many other respects too.I was choked at the news of his passing.So many memories are evoked of that team of the late fifties / early sixties together with personal ones of standing on the packed New Road terraces with my Father. Thank's for the memories Gerry, RIP mate.
RodBee
RodBee
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I was really sorry to learn of this sad news when I returned from holiday.
Gerry was a true gentleman and sportsman and he and Iam Dargie remain as my two greatest sporting heroes ever.
The only time I have ever written to a manager to complain at team selection was when Bill Dodgin Senior played Reg Newton (or Sonny Feehan) and not Gerry in goal in 1955 or 1956.
I believe Gerry holds the record for consecutive appearances for the club and when he was released to Hillingdon Borough (I think) I was devastated.
My family once were seated at a restaurant in Staines on a table next to Gerry and his family. I was too young and frightened to speak to him and ate nothing all meal as I was in total awe of being close to the great man.
Sincere condolences to the family at their sad loss of such a fine man.
Gerry was a true gentleman and sportsman and he and Iam Dargie remain as my two greatest sporting heroes ever.
The only time I have ever written to a manager to complain at team selection was when Bill Dodgin Senior played Reg Newton (or Sonny Feehan) and not Gerry in goal in 1955 or 1956.
I believe Gerry holds the record for consecutive appearances for the club and when he was released to Hillingdon Borough (I think) I was devastated.
My family once were seated at a restaurant in Staines on a table next to Gerry and his family. I was too young and frightened to speak to him and ate nothing all meal as I was in total awe of being close to the great man.
Sincere condolences to the family at their sad loss of such a fine man.
TW3Bee
Can We Play You Every Week
WisBee
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Gerry Cakebread RIP
....................This sums up for me as well.............I couldn't believe how well and young he looked at the Reading Centenary game, I'm shocked that his passing should be so soon (relatively) afterwards................Sincere condolences to his family and friends.............macsalisbee
Active member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
I come from a family of Bees fans and everyone held Gerry in the highest regard as a man and a footballer. I never had the chance to see him play.
Sympathy and best wishes to his family at this most difficult of times
Sympathy and best wishes to his family at this most difficult of times
Bee H
Brouilly Guzzler
Gerry Cakebread RIP
:yes:
The Hillingdon Boro history book reveals that Gerry signed for them from Brentford in July 65, made 61 appearances for them before moving to Taunton Town in June 67. Born in Action on 1.4.36
Gerry Cakebread RIP
:yes:
The Hillingdon Boro history book reveals that Gerry signed for them from Brentford in July 65, made 61 appearances for them before moving to Taunton Town in June 67. Born in Action on 1.4.36
Yes, I seem to recall reading, also, that he made an emergency ' comeback' to help out Minehead in a Cup, or Southern League match, when in his forties.I also remember seeing him play in a match at Griffin Park, as part of the Alan Nelmes testimonial evening, in May 1978, when he would have been over 42.
smiffy superbee
"1897-1968 A Life" on Amazon.
Gerry Cakebread RIP
RIP Gerry ......a true gentleman and a real Brentford hero.
A little cameo of the ONLY time I ever saw Gerry just a 'little concerned' was playing against George Whitelaw (alias 'Gun Law') of QPR.
The Rangers were a bit behind us at the time and to attract fans, more for his unusual entertainment value than his footballing ability, they signed Whitelaw.
In the match at GP, he ran out with their team towards the centre circle, and then puffing his chest out, ran full pelt across the pitch towards the linesman as though he was going to steamroller him, and only at the last moment swerved around him grinning like mad, to a more than relieved lino......and that was BEFORE the match started!
On one occasion during the match Whitelaw had made inroads into the Brentford half and eventually approached the penalty area faced by about four Bees defenders in close proximity, whereupon he threw himself at them in the air with arms fully outstretched and took most of them down in a heap........ and then claimed a penalty!
Fans from both clubs cracked up with laughter, but it was generally left to Gerry to deal with this worryingly unpredictable threat (especially from corners), which he managed to manfully accomplish.
Gerry, I bet that you and 'Gun Law' are having a laugh about it right now.
Thanks for all the great memories Gerry.....a true Bees Legend!
A little cameo of the ONLY time I ever saw Gerry just a 'little concerned' was playing against George Whitelaw (alias 'Gun Law') of QPR.
The Rangers were a bit behind us at the time and to attract fans, more for his unusual entertainment value than his footballing ability, they signed Whitelaw.
In the match at GP, he ran out with their team towards the centre circle, and then puffing his chest out, ran full pelt across the pitch towards the linesman as though he was going to steamroller him, and only at the last moment swerved around him grinning like mad, to a more than relieved lino......and that was BEFORE the match started!
On one occasion during the match Whitelaw had made inroads into the Brentford half and eventually approached the penalty area faced by about four Bees defenders in close proximity, whereupon he threw himself at them in the air with arms fully outstretched and took most of them down in a heap........ and then claimed a penalty!
Fans from both clubs cracked up with laughter, but it was generally left to Gerry to deal with this worryingly unpredictable threat (especially from corners), which he managed to manfully accomplish.
Gerry, I bet that you and 'Gun Law' are having a laugh about it right now.
Thanks for all the great memories Gerry.....a true Bees Legend!
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Yes I remember that, too. 'Gun Law' was, indeed an evil-looking blighter!
But, as you say, Gerry dealt with things manfully. Although he was a gent, he was very courageous.
Great memories...
beebopalula
Well-known member
Gerry Cakebread RIP
Just back from hols. Sad news. Gerry was in goal when I first watched the Bees. Looked a class above the rest.Can't add anything to what's been said. RIP Gerry.