In Memory of Colin Brookes (1942-2025)
Colin Brookes has sadly passed away, following a medical emergency on Tuesday evening. All of our thoughts are with Colin’s family and friends at this time.
He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. His journey took him from the playing fields of England Schoolboys and Barnsley FC, to the boardroom of Halesowen Town FC, where he became one of the club’s most influential figures.
Colin was born on the 2nd January 1942, at Pender Oaks Hospital, Barnsley. He was the only son to Dennis and Doris Brookes.
His early life saw him find his passion for cricket and football. He won multiple trophies during his school years, earning him a call-up to the England Schoolboys team at the age of just 14.
The outside left (left winger) scored in front of 90,000 supporters at Wembley Stadium, in a team that featured future World Cup Winner Nobby Stiles.
Manchester United made him a ‘Busby Babe’ not long after, but after a short spell Colin found himself comfortable back at Barnsley becoming the youngest player in the reserve squad.
At the age of 17, he signed his first full-time professional contract with Barnsley, racking up a total of 55 appearances for the first team between 1960-1961.
In June 1961, he joined First Division West Bromwich Albion. Competition among the 40 plus professionals was fierce and Colin mainly played for the reserves, often alongside Derek Kevan. He thought he’d got the managers attention by scoring a hat trick for the A team against Birmingham but sadly his promotion was limited to being assistant first team kitman. Still, he did meet his wife to be at the Hawthorns.
Colin would continue to play his football with Southport, before moving to Non-League for the remainder of his playing career. It was from here he moved into management and leadership roles.
Halesowen Town FC first heard of the name Colin Brookes in 1994, where he assisted then manager Stuart Hall. This marked the beginning of a long and devoted association with the club, becoming a trusted figure across both football management and administration.
After spells as interim manager, and assistant roles, Colin stepped back from management duties in 2009. He later became Chairman of Halesowen and caried the role until 2016.
He described the role as one of his proudest moments of his footballing career and was known for his hands-on leadership style, engaging with supporters and never failing to let the club fall out of touch with the community.
His tenure wasn’t without it’s struggles, guiding the club through financial difficulties and competitive struggles in the Northern Premier League. Despite stepping back from his role as Chairman in 2016, Colin remained close to the club, whilst acknowledging the strain but superb opportunity to serve Halesowen Town FC.
In 2018, he purchased the club from the Lynch family to become the owner and club president, keeping Halesowen Town FC from falling into the financial pressures of modern day football. Sounds straightforward written like that but negotiations took five months. “The most stressful period of my 25 years at Halesowen Town” admitted Colin.
Later that year, he transferred his ownership to his daughter Karen, and then youth team boss Keith McKenna whilst continuing as president and director.
“The club is now back where it belongs, with the people of Halesowen.”
Colin dedicated over 25 years to Halesowen Town FC, and continued to watch the team year on year. His journey from Barnsley to Halesowen reflected his dedication to football, and he will be remembered for his loyalty, resilience, and devotion.
His legacy lives on in the club, the supporters, and the community he served so faithfully.
(Produced by Club historians Matt Ponter and Ben Bullock plus Radio Halesowen Town)