CCFPA would like to wish one of the many Scottish members that grace the Association a ‘Very Happy Birthday’ today. Former mid eighties Sky Blue, Alan Brazil was born in Govan, Glasgow on 15th June 1959 and therefore is celebrating his 65th birthday today.
A Scottish International, Alan began his illustrious career in his home country with Drumchapel Amateurs and Celtic Boys before achieving fame over six years from 1977 with the resurgent Ipswich Town where he notched seventy goals in 150 league outings.
Spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United followed. Sky Blue manager (and CCFPA member) Don Mackay brought Alan to Coventry in January 1986 (with now fellow CCFPA member Terry Gibson going the other way).
In his relatively brief spell with the Sky Blues Alan scored twice in his fifteen Division One appearances (including on his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United). He did not feature in any CCFC cup games. He was less in favour when George Curtis and John Sillett (both also became CCFPA members prior to their recent deaths) assumed the Highfield Road managerial reins.
Alan moved on to Queen’s Park Rangers at the end of the season and sadly was soon forced to retire from top level football due to a back injury in May 1987. A few non-league appearances followed (Witham Town -1987; Chelmsford City -1988) as well as games for clubs in both Australia (Wollongong City -1988) and Switzerland (FC Baden -1989). From 1980-83 Alan appeared thirteen times for Scotland scoring once.
However, since retirement, most fans will be now be aware of him as a former player with both trenchant and humorous views which have made him a successful broadcaster on a variety of media shows on TV and especially radio (TalkSport) over the years. He has also published a couple of autobiographical memoirs in his time.
Have a great birthday today Alan – though we know you are a busy man, we look forward to seeing you at a Sky Blue game in the future whenever broadcasting commitments allow!
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