Spread the love

Brentford fans will regret to hear of the passing of former Bees player Paul Shrubb, who had been bravely fighting Motor Neurone Disease. On a personal note, Paul was a central part of the team that I first watched as a Bees fan – an exciting and talent bunch of players, that were central to capturing my enthusiasm and love for the club as a young boy. That Bill Dodgin team will always be special to me. Happy days.

Having made just one start for Fulham, where he had signed as a professional at the age of 17, the busy midfielder left to play in South Africa and returned from two years with Hellenic FC to sign for manager Bill Dodgin in February 1977. Shrubb gained an immediate first team place at Griffin Park and became a regular, versatile performer for the next five seasons. Slotting into midfield or central defence with equal comfort, and captaining the team on a number of occasions, Shrubb eventually lost his first-team berth under Fred Callaghan following almost 200 games (182 apps 8 goals) and, after a disappointing campaign in 1982/83, in which he started only four games, Paul joined Aldershot, where he spent another five years.

When his League days were over Shrubb joined Woking as player/coach and also had spells coaching at Dorking, Cove, Hampton and Kingstonian, but returned to the newly-formed Aldershot Town and was instrumental in their rise through the non-League divisions as coach and assistant manager, before taking on a scouting role with Charlton Athletic. In 2007, Aldershot and Charlton staged a benefit match for him after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 51.

Rest In Peace Paul and thanks for the memories.

Dave Lane