All at Brentford are deeply saddened by the passing of former player Alan Hawley.
Hawley made 343 appearances and scored four goals for the Bees, placing him 11th on the club’s all-time appearances list, which saw him inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2013.
Hawley began his career with the Bees as an apprentice in June 1962 and, just months later, he became the youngest player to ever appear for the club, at the time, after he made his first-team debut against Barrow at the age of 16 years, 3 months and 22 days.
Although he had to wait until the 1964/65 season to establish himself in the first team, the full-back quickly became a key figure, winning his first piece of silverware in the London Challenge Cup.
Despite a spell out with a cartilage injury, he was ever-present during the 1967/68 and 1969/70 seasons.
The highlight of Hawley’s career came in 1971/72, when he played a pivotal role in Brentford’s third-place finish and promotion to the Third Division, before succeeding Bobby Ross as captain in 1972.
Hawley departed Griffin Park at the end of the 1973/74 season and continued to play non-league football for Hillingdon Borough, Wimbledon, Kingstonian, Walton & Hersham, and Ruislip Manor.
He also managed Hillingdon Borough, initially as caretaker before taking the player-manager role from 1975 to 1976.
Hawley returned to Brentford in the early 1990s, working under Joe Gadston in the club’s youth system.
In recognition of his contribution to the club, he was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2013 alongside former team-mates Bobby Ross and Jackie Graham.
Everyone at Brentford would like to pass on their condolences to Alan’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life at this very sad time.