Many may not have known Brian as his work was very much carried out behind the scenes. For those of us who had the pleasure, you’ll know that the title of Groundsman just simply doesn’t do him justice. Whatever the task, big or small and most often not glamourous, Brians response was always ”Leave it, I’ll do that” that said, often joked “try and do as little as possible for as much as possible!” Straight to the point, no nonsense with a wicked sense of humour, his larger-than-life presence will be hugely missed by us all.

Brian’s passing on Sunday marks the end of a tenure second to none, he was our longest current serving member of the Team, with us during the highs and recent lows and when many others have been and gone. He has been such a massive part of ensuring the welcome everyone receives was in surroundings that we can all be proud of.

Over the years Brian has had a hip replaced and more recently a heart valve replaced, rather than this being a setback or an opportunity to take it easy he has returned with an almost bionic power as strong as ever. Having left school at the age of 14 and going straight to work, Brian grafted hard ever since and for the time of that being applied to Harlow Town Football Club we thank him. Most of Brians working life was spent operating heavy plant and machinery so often his approach would be to utilise a sledge hammer when sometimes a sticking plaster may have been in order. No better example of this was that day he single handedly nearly closed down Elizabeth Way and half of The Pinnacles when the Fire Brigade received reports from concerned drivers that they thought the Football Club was on fire with flames seen leaping above tree level, nope, just Brian having a small fire to burn off some of the tree branches and cuttings he had been saving up for the highlight of his month - a good bonfire!

A very proud Gentleman and Family Man, Brian leaves behind Children and Grandchildren who are all in our thoughts at this sad time. After a very short illness we all take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is now at peace and once again in the arms of his beloved Ro.

In football terms “ Brian Lane, He Truly Was One of Our Own” we will all miss you.