Johnny Brooks

[GEOFFBEE]

Have to agree with GeoffBee etc, Micky Block was an excellent winger imo. Wasn't impressed initially, but as he got used to 1st team football his skill on the ball (a little like Paul Stephenson but with more end-product), centring ability & powerful shot completely changed my opinion.

The Gillingham & QPR games were great performances that stand out & another was a 2-1 home win over Palace.

I saw Brooks at Chelsea the season before he joined us. He simply did not fit in with the push & run, helter skelter style that Chelsea were developing at that time. When he came to us I wondered how he would fit in - brilliantly was the answer. He (& BLock) could not save us from going down - there just weren't enough good enough players in the team - but his performances were outstanding (particularly remember a 2-2 draw at Palace, Budgy Byrne et al) & I can remember fans at Notts County drooling over him as an opposition player. The following season was another story - 22 goals as the midfield general, superb passing, powerful shot , skill, class in abundance - an absolute joy to watch.

Also saw Mel Scott at Chelsea. Could not believe it when we signed him. Another absolutely superb player.

Put Brooks & Scott (alongside Bennett) in our team next season & the Championship would truly beckon.

Thank you for stirring up even more wonderful memories!
I too was fortunate enough to be at that Palace match, and recall getting off the coach when it dropped me off back in Brentford and eulogising to a passer by about Brook's performance that day!
And, yes, Mel Scott was another very, very classy player.
To think that we got three Chelsea ex-first-teamers in Brooks, Block and Scott, who gave us such great service, and wonderful memories.Can you imagine that happening these days?

 

[gaffer]

Thank you for stirring up even more wonderful memories!
I too was fortunate enough to be at that Palace match, and recall getting off the coach when it dropped me off back in Brentford and eulogising to a passer by about Brook's performance that day!
And, yes, Mel Scott was another very, very classy player.
To think that we got three Chelsea ex-first-teamers in Brooks, Block and Scott, who gave us such great service, and wonderful memories.Can you imagine that happening these days?

Hello Geoff, Good to read these posts on the great Johnny Brooks, plus the other powerful forwards we had in that era. Exciting times waiting for the next matches so that we could marvel at our heros again, with their beautiful football and poerful shooting. I also agree that Micky Block was a fabulous asset to the team. Hope you are keeping well. Stan Jones

 

[62-63]

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=66224

Found this bit of film with Johnny Brooks playing no.8 for England and scoring one of the goals.On the same page is the game against Yugoslavia with commentary and Brooks scores again.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=32490

 

[GEOFFBEE]

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=66224

Found this bit of film with Johnny Brooks playing no.8 for England and scoring one of the goals.On the same page is the game against Yugoslavia with commentary and Brooks scores again.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=32490

Thank you my friend!
At last the younger guys can get a glimpse of the wonderful Johnny Brooks in action, alongside some England legends, too. Brooks was one of the few players to score on his England debut, and had a record of played three won three. I interviewed Johnny some years later and he was able to reel off the complete team . He said " Can you imagine what it was like having Johnny Haynes as your other inside-forward , Tommy Taylor as your centre-forward and Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney on the wings?!" A fantastic forward line indeed. Plus, in Johnny Brooks' final game for England , the wonder boy Duncan Edwards played-and scored a hat-trick.

 

[GEOFFBEE]

Hello Geoff, Good to read these posts on the great Johnny Brooks, plus the other powerful forwards we had in that era. Exciting times waiting for the next matches so that we could marvel at our heros again, with their beautiful football and poerful shooting. I also agree that Micky Block was a fabulous asset to the team. Hope you are keeping well. Stan Jones

Wow!
Great hearing from you Stan!
I will pm you shortly.
Guys, this 'gaffer' chap was a terrific player too ! One of the areas very best schoolboy and youth inside-forwards of his day ...

 

[62-63]

Thank you my friend!
At last the younger guys can get a glimpse of the wonderful Johnny Brooks in action, alongside some England legends, too. Brooks was one of the few players to score on his England debut, and had a record of played three won three. I interviewed Johnny some years later and he was able to reel off the complete team . He said " Can you imagine what it was like having Johnny Haynes as your other inside-forward , Tommy Taylor as your centre-forward and Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney on the wings?!" A fantastic forward line indeed. Plus, in Johnny Brooks' final game for England , the wonder boy Duncan Edwards played-and scored a hat-trick.

Slightly off topic ,if you put Brentford into the Pathe search engine there are clips of Hopkins scoring for Wales against an England XI ,and lots more including film of Peter Gelson and the boys being `trained ` by a ballet teacher.I must be old I remember that.

 

[Dave Bond]

Johnny Brooks is my all time favorite player. he was pure class. Imagine how pleased we were when his picture in his Brentford kit taking a throw on was in every single chemist shop. I think it was a Max Factor for men advert which took the form of cardboard cut outs in different sizes which were on display everywhere. Needless to say us kids raided the chemists to get them. Now move on nearly 30 years to the centenary dinner at the hilton hotel where I get the chance to speak to the great man and mention how we nicked his cardboard cuts out to put in our bedrooms. I remember thinking he will barely remember the advert but I need not have worried he does no more than put his hand in his inside pocket a pulls one out. Wonderful player -wonderful memories.

 

[GEOFFBEE]

Johnny Brooks is my all time favorite player. he was pure class. Imagine how pleased we were when his picture in his Brentford kit taking a throw on was in every single chemist shop. I think it was a Max Factor for men advert which took the form of cardboard cut outs in different sizes which were on display everywhere. Needless to say us kids raided the chemists to get them. Now move on nearly 30 years to the centenary dinner at the hilton hotel where I get the chance to speak to the great man and mention how we nicked his cardboard cuts out to put in our bedrooms. I remember thinking he will barely remember the advert but I need not have worried he does no more than put his hand in his inside pocket a pulls one out. Wonderful player -wonderful memories.

Dave, you will enjoy looking at those Pathe clips of him, that 62-63 kindly supplied. The only footage of him that I have ever seen. In those clips he appears more as an out and out striker, whereas I believe his real strength was as a playmaker/provider, who also relished the opportunity of using his wonderful long-range shooting ability. A real pity that he had an injury which, I believe, curtailed his very promising England start . Then along came guys like Albert Quixall, Bobby Charlton etc etc, plus, of course, there was Johnny Haynes blossoming into a world-class playmaking inside-forward in a similar role to Brooks.
However, it is fair to say that Johnny Brooks' sheer flair set him apart from most of his peers when it came to entertainment value. Something that most Bees fans who ever saw him play will never forget...

 

[JimLevack]

Kids, once they are heading towards cynical adulthood, never quite trust their parents so I always took my old man's claims that Johnny Brooks was the finest player ever to tread the turf at Griffin Park, with a pinch of salt.
Several others have said that he "oozed class" so I guess he must have been right.
What I will say is that several years after his playing days were over, my dad and I bumped into him in Moorgate where he was a messenger in the city as abee rightly says.
My dad was like a kid in a sweet shop, absolutely thrilled at having seen his idol in surroundings where mere mortals trod.
Sadly I was abroad when the Centenary game was on, but my dad told me there were still the briefest of flashes of what he remembered so fondly.
If Johnny's reading this, a humble thank you for making my old man so very happy.

 

[KGB]

Jim,

I understand what you mean in your first para but, believe me & the other posters here & particularly your late dad, Brooksie was absolute class & stood out like a beacon until he got a serious injury late in our promotion season which effectively finished his career. His ability to receive the ball & make space for himself was the best I've ever seen at BFC, but added to that he could pass over any distance, shoot & particularly volley the ball, & was two-footed. 22 goals in a season as a playmaker demonstrates just how good he was. The defining memory however was his sheer style & grace which leaves such a clear imprint on the mind.

If we could add JB, Mel Scott & Micky Block (& possibly Johnny Fielding) to our current squad even I might put a bet on for promotion this season!

Kids, once they are heading towards cynical adulthood, never quite trust their parents so I always took my old man's claims that Johnny Brooks was the finest player ever to tread the turf at Griffin Park, with a pinch of salt.
Several others have said that he "oozed class" so I guess he must have been right.
What I will say is that several years after his playing days were over, my dad and I bumped into him in Moorgate where he was a messenger in the city as abee rightly says.
My dad was like a kid in a sweet shop, absolutely thrilled at having seen his idol in surroundings where mere mortals trod.
Sadly I was abroad when the Centenary game was on, but my dad told me there were still the briefest of flashes of what he remembered so fondly.
If Johnny's reading this, a humble thank you for making my old man so very happy.

 

[oldgreenfordian]

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=66224

Found this bit of film with Johnny Brooks playing no.8 for England and scoring one of the goals.On the same page is the game against Yugoslavia with commentary and Brooks scores again.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=32490

Thanks very much for that, Mate.
Excellent to see the great man in action plus a few more rather good players too.

It looks like Alf Sherwood taking over in goal for the injured Jack Kelsey - any other codger agree?

 

[North London Bee]

Our legendary ex`international striker is suffering from vascular dementia according to The Times yesterday.

 

[GEOFFBEE]

Our legendary ex`international striker is suffering from vascular dementia according to The Times yesterday.

Oh dear, that is so very sad.
A wonderful player in his day, whom us older fans still eulogise about.
When he retired ,I had the fantastic privilege of meeting him , and even watched a few Bees matches at Griffin Park with him. His memory then was really sharp. I recall him glowing with pride when he named the England team whom he made his International debut with. It included the great Duncan Edwards, and two wingers -Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney! He said " As an inside-forward, can you imagine having these two guys on either wing to pass the ball to?!"
Dementia, sadly, affects so many people dear to us...
I wish Johnny and all his family and friends the very best in dealing with this.

 

[Dave Bond]

Remember him from my youth so well, such a class player he did the brylcreem advert and we stole the coloured photos of him taking a throw in in his Brentford shirt from the chemist shops. I met him at the 100th celebration and asked him if he remembered the advert and to my surprise he pulled one of the pop up counter displays from his pocket. He came across as a nice man and I am so sorry to hear that his heath is deteriorating.

 

[GP]

My mum was in hospital a few weeks ago when an old grey haired gentlemen wandered into the wrong ward. The nurse mentioned to my dad that he was an ex footballer and my dad being an older bee found out it was Johnny Brooks. This was in Bournemouth General Hospital so he must be living down here on the south coast.

 

[north wilts bee]

For younger supporters Jonny Brooks was one of the best ever Brentford buys. His distribution of the ball was first class and in the lower division days he was a real star and added real quality to the Brentford team. Two things stand out for me, the first being the amazing quiff of a haircut and what he could do to a pair of shorts, he wore them so high that there was always the risk of them disappearing into his nether regions. A true hero, l wish him well.

 

[Denway]

One of my early heroes; the ball control, the powerful shots, and of course the Max Factor ad in his Bees strip. In Terry Venables book he rates him as one of the best footballers that he played with. Such sad news, hard to imagine: I only have the memories.

 

[tellboycy]

Met Johnny at Christchurch Football Club at a local sunday league cup final where his son was playing.
Went up to him and he was overjoyed that I remembered him from that legendary forward line Block,Brooks,McAdam,Dick,McLeod.
He had fond memories of Brentford and it is really sad that this illness has hit him so hard.

 

[footman]

amazing quiff of a haircut

That certainly is some haircut!
I'd never heard of him but now I've read some of his history, sounds like a great fellow. So sorry that his life has to end in dementia.

 

[wanderer paul]

Never saw the player as I'm too young!

But when you read about him, he sounds like a top quality footballer and nice fella off the pitch too. Sad to read that he has a form of dementia.

Dave Lane interviewed Johnny Brooks for his "Cult Bees and Legends" book - Book 2. Try and buy it from where ever you can. Great reads, both of them.

http://brentfordfcmemorabilia.wordpress.com/2013/10/27/books-cult-bees-legends-2002-2005/

Johnny Brooks - A & BC Gum Card. http://brentfordfcmemorabilia.wordp...gum-autographed-topstars-footballers-1961-62/

 

[West Wilts Bee]

Really sad to learn about Johnny Brooks . He was one of my hero's and along with other bees legends made up a truly great side. M first ever season of watching this great club included the name Johnny Brooks, and I am devastated to say the least. Brooks , Dick, and Billy Mcadams. A front lime that all bagged twenty goals each. Johnny had the beat ever volley. I wish Johnny and his family all the very best, and I also hope the club can pull someting out of the bag for this great Man.

 

[Leicester Bee]

If I remember correctly, Johnny Brooks played in the centenary game at Griffin Park. I was sat next to an elderly bees fan and I asked who the old fella on the pitch was, and his eyes lit up and said "that's Johnny Brooks, the greatest Brentford player. Just look at him, he still doesn't give the ball away". And he didn't.....Johnny did actually pass the ball for someone who, I think, was about 70(?), and I felt blessed to have had sight of our greatest international.

 

[North London Bee]

Don't want to keep plugging my blog on bfctalk.wordpress.com but my last piece there this morning touched on Johnny Brooks and it would be great if some of you wrote some comments on there too regarding him. Many thanks.

 

[stevil]

Sad to hear this. Johnny Brooks was my late Dad's favourite ever Bees player, so a huge part of Brentford folklore for me.

 

[wayfarer172]

So sad to hear of Johnny's illness. The word 'Legend' is banded about to easily these days, but you young supporters out there would have loved Johnny Brooks. I'm even more certain he would easily have slotted in in todays style of football.
To Quote GEOFFBEE 'I wish Johnny and all his family and friends the very best in dealing with this.

 

[Beefletch]

This guy oozed class as a footballer. A real "class act" & I feel privileged to have watched him .As a kid watching him from the terraces he was an inspiration. Take care Brooksy & thanks for the wonderful memories .

 

[kevalutonbee]

Never had the privilege of seeing him play but know he was an absolute star of his day.

I wish him and his family well as this horrible disease took my uncle a few years back

 

[beebopalula]

View attachment 15101
That certainly is some haircut!
I'd never heard of him but now I've read some of his history, sounds like a great fellow. So sorry that his life has to end in dementia.

Looks more like Billy Wright to me. Are you sure it's Johnny B ? Mind you he had aged when he came to us . !

 

[wanderer paul]

Looks more like Billy Wright to me. Are you sure it's Johnny B ? Mind you he had aged when he came to us . !

That's definitely Johnny Brooks. He's wearing a Tottenham shirt!

 

[beebopalula]

That's definitely Johnny Brooks. He's wearing a Tottenham shirt!

Must be so then. I thought it was an England shirt but it's clearly a Spurs badge. Shows how obsevant I am !!! He had obviously aged a fair bit in looks and not just in years by the time we got him. We got two years of absolute class out of him before injury set in. Massive memories of JB and that amazing forward line in my formative years as a Bees fan. Sad news about him.

 

[Bungy Bee]

Class act was Johnny....terrific shot on him as well.....very lucky to have seen him play....get well Johnny......

 

[Sultan]

Had the pleasure of seeing Johnny play in his last game at Griffin Park .

 

[HerefordB]

Very sad news indeed. A true Bees legend as far as Im concerned.

 

[wanderer paul]

A nice head & shoulders picture of Johnny Brooks. Signed too.

 

[brooks]

Great player. Always think of him and the 9-0 together. Incredible that we had such a wonderful player at the club.

 

[brooks]

My mum was in hospital a few weeks ago when an old grey haired gentlemen wandered into the wrong ward. The nurse mentioned to my dad that he was an ex footballer and my dad being an older bee found out it was Johnny Brooks. This was in Bournemouth General Hospital so he must be living down here on the south coast.

He lives in Bournemouth.

 

[Alan D]

One of my all time favourite Bees. I swear he could bend the old heavy leather footballs as good as some of today's stars do with the modern variety. Best wishes for a recovery Johnny.

 

[Humblebee]

This guy oozed class as a footballer. A real "class act" & I feel privileged to have watched him .As a kid watching him from the terraces he was an inspiration. Take care Brooksy & thanks for the wonderful memories .

Likewise. My favourite player of the 60s.

 

[TOMOGP]

An absolutely superb footballer who could nearly make a ball talk very sad news

 

[Brentford4]

Very sad news, along with Ken Coote one of my favourite players. He is a true legend and was a pleasure to have seen at GP.

 

[TW1Bee]

Along with Mel Scott they were my first heroes. Pretty sure it was the Max Factor for Men advert remember it on the back page of the Daily Express.

 

[TW3Bee]

Before my time, but sounds like a great player, both on and off the pitch.

Very sad news.

 

[Aberdeen flyer]

So sad to hear this news about a player who was outstanding for us and had one of the hardest shots I have witnessed at GP.Although coming from a top level club (Spurs) he was a down to earth guy who always had time for everyone and would never refuse an autograph or a few words with anyone.He has been living in Bournemouth since he retired from a job in the City and his son Shaun played as a pro for Crystal Palace,Leyton Orient and Bournemouth.

 

[Letchbee]

My old dad thought Johnny was one of the classiest forwards we ever had and he watched the Bees for 40 years from the early 30s. I saw him a number of times. Very clever and never a dirty player. When he lived in Stevenage I had the pleasure of training with him at Shephallbury Park, he was brilliant and so helpful. I hope things go well for him and his family

 

[Bobby]

One of my all time favourite Bees. I swear he could bend the old heavy leather footballs as good as some of today's stars do with the modern variety. Best wishes for a recovery Johnny.

 

[RodBee]

The best player I have seen in a Brentford shirt in my 61 years of following the club.

Very sad news for such a great fellow to be suffering like this.

 

[BRbee]

Johnny was one of my favourite players from the early sixties - a classy inside forward with a football brain and good shot.
Sad news. My best wishes to Johnny and his family.

 

[greenland]

Johhny, was a great BEES legend.He was very exciting to watch and was a great goal scorer.What a lot of people may not know is that when England first played Brazil 1956,we won 4 2 and Johnny scored two goals.

 

[Womble Bee]

Bit before my time but heard good stories from the older ones who sit around me. Best wishes to Johnny amd the family

 

[RANCHO MIRAGE BEE]

He was pure class,one od the best players ever to wear a Bees shirt,so sad to hear he has dementia.
I was talking the other week to Scott Forbes who lives here in Spain.He the son of Duncan Forbes who played centre half for
many years for Norwich City and he was saying that Duncan is in a bad way with dementia and it has been blamed on many years
of heading the old leather foolballs,very heavy especially when wet.Not sure if the connection has been proved but could very well
be possible.