All at Brentford FC were saddened to hear of the death of former player Alex Dawson. Alex, better known for his time at Manchester United, died on Friday 17 July, at the age 80. He had a short spell on loan at Brentford in 1970 but is still fondly remembered by Bees fans.

Alex joined Brentford on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in September 1970. In 11 games for The Bees he scored seven goals, six of those goals came in ten Fourth Division appearances. Brentford were unable to agree terms for a longer stay and Alex left the Club. Alex’s last Brentford goal was the winner in an FA Cup First Round tie against Gillingham. The Bees won the game 2-1 on their way to the Fifth Round, where they lost to Hull City.

Alex was one of the young players brought through by Manchester United manager Matt Busby in the late 1950s. He played a few games before the Munich Air Disaster of February 1958 and then came in to the team after the Manchester United team was decimated by that crash. He left Manchester United in 1961 and played for Preston North End and Bury before he joined Brighton.

Alex was an England Schoolboy international and played for Corby Town after ending his professional career at Brighton. He played in two FA Cup Finals, for Manchester United and Preston, without earning a winner’s medal. The condolences of all at Brentford FC are sent to Alex’s family and friends at this sad time.