All at Brentford Football Club were saddened to hear of the death of former Operations Manager Tony Ashley. Tony died after suffering a heart attack on Sunday. He was 72.

Tony spent six years working at Griffin Park before retiring in May 2013. He had previously worked at Oxford United, the club he supported. He worked his way from the terraces of Oxford’s old Manor Ground to being involved in the design of and subsequent move to their current Kassam Stadium.

During his time at Brentford Tony helped the Club upgrade Griffin Park to meet modern requirements during times of financial hardship and also ran the match day operation when the Club had its biggest attendances for more than three decades, against Chelsea and Doncaster Rovers just before his retirement. He also oversaw the starting phases of the redevelopment of the Club’s Training Ground at Jersey Road. Tony was almost always seen with a smile on his face and built up a great relationship with many Brentford fans. He would often come back to Griffin Park after retirement to see old friends and colleagues.

Mark Devlin, Brentford FC Chief Executive, said: “It was with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Tony Ashley. Tony was one of the nicest gentlemen you could wish to meet and was totally committed to this football club. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he was very popular among staff and any fans who got to know him. That we enjoy a very healthy and positive relationship with our local emergency services and Met Police, is in no small way down to the relationship and trust which Tony built with all of our operational partners.

“He will be missed by everyone who knew him and, on behalf of everyone at Brentford Football Club, I would like to pass on our deepest condolences to his wife Carol, family and friends.”