Norman Brison RIP

Brakes historian, Paul Vanes, writes:

NORMAN ERNEST BRISON born 28/04/1931 died 09/03/2013

In common with all of us young men until 1961, we were conscripted into National Service and Norman “chose” the Army to do his two years. He was posted to Rhyl, where he asked for a trial with the local football club who at that time were members of the strong Cheshire County league, and it is known he did play for them but when returning to the Midlands on leave he signed for Banbury Spencer. Because of his army commitments, he only managed four games and one goal in 1948/49 making his debut against Walsall Reserves on 23rd of April, one game and goal in the following season, in 1950/51, he made four appearances scoring his usual goal. He was demobbed and played 40 games netting 13 goals in 1951/52 but he only played six games the following season before transferring to Lockheed Leamington where he made a winning debut against Bilston on 23rd October. Norman had originally decided to join the Brakes in August 1951, but thinking it over returned to Spencer in time for the start of that season. On his debut, the Spa Chronicle said “Norman is a Leamington boy who may well make good. He worked hard throughout, falling back into defence when Bilston were pressing, and always looking for an opportunity to turn defence into attack. His passing was accurate, and he was unlucky not to score on at least one occasion”.

Norman made at least 27 appearances and scored 9 goals. In 1953/54 it was at least 12 games and four goals, then 5 appearances and a goal in 1954/55 and finally his last season saw Norman make 3 games and he netted a solitary goal. However, he played many many games for the Reserve side during these seasons and continued to find the back of the net. Norman was a versatile forward appearing for Lockheed in every front position and even at wing half with Banbury Spencer We have been able to find a photograph of Norman and also the centre page of the programme covering his Brakes debut some 61 years ago. If anyone has an original photo, individual or team group, could we please be allowed to scan it for the club’s records? Many thanks to David Shadbolt of Banbury United for his help in preparing this tribute to a damn good footballer.

Norman has joined the love of his life, Rose who died on April 7th, 2012. On behalf of the Brakes Trust membership and all Leamington Football Club fans, may we be allowed to offer our sincere and deepest condolences to daughters Julie and Sarah, son-in-law Phil and grand children Charlie and Alfie plus all relatives and friends of the family.

The funeral is at Oakley Wood Crematorium, South Chapel on Thursday 21st at 14.15pm.

Rest in Peace, Norman