All at Brentford Football Club were saddened to hear of the death of former goalkeeper Fred Ryecraft. Fred died at the end of September at the age of 78. He is pictured above as part of the 1962/63 Brentford squad. He is the goalkeeper on the right of the two with a fellow player leaning on his shoulders.

Fred spent five years at Brentford in the last 1950s and early 1960s. He played 38 games for The Bees in all competitions and spent most of his time at Griffin Park as understudy to legendary long-serving stopper Gerry Cakebread. Fred joined Brentford just before his 20th birthday but had to wait until August 1962 to make his debut, due to the form and fitness of Cakebread.

Fred played his 38 Brentford games over the next 18 months before the arrival of another legendary Brentford goalkeeper – Chic Brodie. Fred eventually left in 1964 and joined Gravesend and Northfleet but did play enough games to earn a medal as part of Brentford’s Division Four championship winning team in 1962/63. He also represented the British Army and Combined Services during his National Service.

All at Griffin Park send their condolences to Fred’s family and friends.