Tragic end for dream maker Brooks Mileson

Published on Monday 3 November 2008 21:03

THE millionaire businessman Brooks Mileson, who took Gretna Football Club from the Third Division to the SPL and the final of the Scottish Cup in barely five years, died yesterday.

The 60-year-old was found unconscious at his home in Blackford, near Carlisle, yesterday morning.

It is understood that Mr Mileson, who had been suffering from a serious neurological problem, collapsed in the grounds of his home. He was taken to Cumberland Infirmary, where he later died. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

His death brings to an end one of the most colourful and controversial chapters in Scottish football.

A philanthropist businessman who had given financial support to 70 football clubs, Mr Mileson was perhaps an unlikely football club owner. The devout Christian and animal lover he was happy to sort out match takings into English and Scottish notes for his local bank.

Mr Mileson will be best remembered for taking the small team from Dumfries and Galloway on a journey fitting of a Hollywood film plot, before he had to abandon the club suddenly to penury and liquidation as ill health forced him to withdraw his financial backing.

The club's collapse was almost as spectacular as its rise. Gretna resigned from the Scottish Football League in June this year before being pushed into administration two months later, as its benefactor cut off its financial lifeline and it was revealed the club was 4 million in debt.

Last night, Mick Wadsworth, the former Gretna director of football, said: "He was such a giving person, he was very kind to everyone who came across him, it's terrible news. I really feel for his family and everyone that was close to him. The poor guy has been ill on and off for two years but it has still come as a real shock."

The club's former chairman Ron MacGregor, also paid tribute. He said: "I think most fans will choose to remember the fantastic ride he gave them up to the Scottish Cup and the SPL, rather than any of the later problems."

The businessman first helped the club in 2002, pumping much-needed cash into the side. It is estimated he invested 8 million, paying players salaries rarely seen outside the Premier League.

The club won promotion to the Second Division in 2004-5 and to the First Division the following season, when Gretna also reached the Scottish Cup final, eventually losing to Hearts on penalties. But as the team reached the SPL in 2007, Mr Mileson's health was beginning to slip.

Having undergone bowel surgery in 2006, he was visibly frail at Gretna's moment of glory when the team beat Ross County to secure a place in the top flight of Scottish football.

Meanwhile, life in the SPL proved difficult. A ground-sharing deal with Motherwell proved financially costly, while victories were hard to come by.

Last night fans paid tribute to Mr Mileson on community websites. Barbara Thomson, of South Queensferry, wrote of him: "A proper gentleman, sleep peacefully Brooks."

TIMELINE

2002: Brooks Mileson buys Gretna FC after sponsoring the club's youth scheme.

2005: The side wins the Third Division trophy.

2006: Wins the Second Division, and is runner-up in the Scottish Cup, losing to Hearts in a penalty shoot-out.

2007: Wins promotion to the Scottish Premier League.

2008: In May it is revealed that Gretna is 4 million in debt. The club resigns from SPL in June after going into administration. Goes into liquidation in August.

• Mileson lived the dream of every football fan