All Brentford fans were sad to hear the news of the passing of former defender and club captain, Alan Hawley, who has died at the age of 79. Dave Lane looks back at his legacy at Griffin Park with some memories from those who watched him play every week and remember him best.
Alan began his remarkable footballing journey with the Bees as an apprentice in June 1962. Just months later, he etched his name into club history, becoming Brentford’s youngest-ever League player when he made his debut against Barrow at just 16 years, three months, and 21 days old, which he is preparing for in the picture above.
A pacy, hard-tackling right full-back, Alan signed professional terms in 1963 and went on to become a mainstay of the first team for more than a decade. Though it wasn’t until the 1964/65 season that he fully established himself in the side, he quickly proved his value, helping the team lift the London Challenge Cup and becoming a reliable figure on the pitch.
Despite suffering a cartilage injury that sidelined him temporarily, Alan was ever-present during both the 1967/68 and 1969/70 seasons. His greatest career highlight came in the 1971/72 campaign, when he played a pivotal role in Brentford’s third-place finish and promotion to the Third Division. The picture below shows Alan with his team mates after clinching promotion. The following year, he was appointed club captain, succeeding Bobby Ross.
Very sad day for me. I remember Alan so well. He trained/coached the Guinness under-18 team for a bit for extra cash. He got me my first proper away day ticket at Shrewsbury, and I went on to see Brentford play on 120 different away grounds.
Ray PantlingHe was a very good player and a really nice fella. When I worked in Brentford, he got me tickets for a match — just took my name and told me to pick them up at the gate. This was the 1972 season. Very sad that he’s passed.
Andy ColeAlan had a fish and chip shop near where I live, and I saw him there several times. He was a real full-back. I shall dig out my autographs, which will bring back fond memories of getting his autograph many times as a teenager. RIP Alan.
Derek WhiteAn all-time Brentford great. Alan Hawley is a Brentford legend. His name sits alongside Coote, Gelson, Hendren, Hopkins, James, et al. RIP. Condolences to family and friends.
Paul BriersRIP Alan. Friend and playing colleague since school days. Now at rest but never forgotten. Condolences to all his family.
John SouthWhat a legend he was. So sad to hear of his passing. I had the honour of knowing and playing alongside Alan when he joined us at Ruislip Manor in the early ’80s. So glad he came to a Manor reunion two years ago. What a player he was — such a gentleman, and so dry… Deepest sympathy to his family.
Richard Burnell
Alan spent a brief loan spell at Fulham in 1971 but did not make a senior appearance. He was released by Brentford in the summer of 1974 after more than 340 appearances for the club. He was honoured with a testimonial match against Orient at the end of his professional career.
Following his time at Griffin Park, Alan continued playing non-league football with Hillingdon Borough — where he had previously spent time on loan — before going on to play for Wimbledon, Kingstonian, Walton & Hersham, and Ruislip Manor. He also served as player-manager at Hillingdon Borough from 1975 to 1976.
Alan remained connected to the game after retirement, returning to Brentford in the early 1990s to work under Joe Gadston in the club’s youth system, where he helped guide and inspire the next generation of players.
In recognition of his outstanding service, Alan Hawley was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2013, alongside his former teammates Bobby Ross and Jackie Graham — a fitting tribute to a dedicated servant of the club.
Alan will be remembered not only for his commitment and leadership on the pitch but also for the integrity and passion with which he represented Brentford and the wider football community. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the club’s rich history.
Dave Lane
