All at Brentford Football Club were saddened to hear of the death of former staff member, and fervant supporter, Joyce Neate. Joycie, as she was known to many around Griffin Park, died on 4 December at the age of 90. Her funeral was held yesterday, Tuesday 22 December, and aptly fell on a matchday.

Joyce was a long-serving member of the Brentford FC staff when the Club was run by a small off-field team. She would help out with the matchday mascots and look after the Club's lottery sellers. Joyce would also be seen in the Club Shop and was known for her warm, friendly and cheerful nature.

Joyce worked at the Club through the 1980s and 90s before leaving in 1998. We have also been told of her support in helping to set up the Aussie Bees supporters group for fans in Australia. She was still in touch with fans down under in recent months.

Joyce and her husband Bill were familar faces at games up and down the country. Joyce was a less frequent visitor to Griffin Park after Bill's death but would still listen to games every week. She also made a point of coming back regularly to see former colleagues and would offer her support by sponsoring player kit in recent years.

The condolences of all at Brentford FC are sent to Joyce's friends and family.

The Club has also been informed of the death of former player William Sweetzer. Bill, as he was known, was the brother of our former striker Gordon Sweetzer, and was on our books in the late 1970s without making an appearance. The Club was contacted a few weeks ago to be told that Bill had died at the age of 62.

Bill had a short-lived professional career, mostly notable for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States of America. He was also on the books at Queens Park Rangers and Oxford United. The condolences of all at Brentford FC are sent to the Sweetzer family.