It is with great sadness that we announce Brian Lee died at the age of has the death of 86 after a short illness. Brian spent 12 years as trustee and Chair of the NLT, stepping down in 2021 to become the Trust’s Patron. During his career and for over 50 years he led many initiatives in sport and recreation as a distinguished leader, administrator, coach and innovator.
He was an FA Staff Coach, Manager of the England Semi-Professional team, and the Director of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre for over 20 years.
Brian became the Director of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in 1967 and remained there for 22 years, transforming the centre and its facilities and in October 1974 he hosted Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II when she toured the National Sports Centre complex. He also planned the revolutionary indoor facility which opened in 1977, designed to provide a unique, environmentally controlled facility for the training and preparation of a number of sports.
He managed Wycombe Wanderers in the 1970s when they were in the Isthmian League, and when he became their Chairman, designed and project managed the building of their new stadium at Adams Park.
As a coach and manager it was his leadership that transformed Wycombe Wanderers from an amateur club to a member of the Football League and his vision that resulted in the creation of a new stadium for them at Adams Park.
Throughout his career Brian has understood the importance of access to good quality sport coaching and facilities, particularly at grass roots level, and has been instrumental in ensuring that community projects are an integral part of every organisation’s programme.
Whilst Chair of the Football Conference, he impressed upon member clubs the importance of their role and the difference they can make as community clubs. He then negotiated with the Premier League and PFA which led to a financial commitment to support these community programmes, contributing to the NLT’s creation.
In 2010, after a period of negotiation, he secured solidarity support from the Premier League and the PFA towards both the support of National League clubs and community development. A direct contribution of £2.4m was made to create a fund that would be used to offer grant support to community programmes. This fund became the charity in April 2012, with Brian as Chair. His legacy is that there are now over 50 charities associated with National League clubs delivering wide ranging programmes across the county.
Brian was the recipient of the Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, and received an MBE for his service to sport in 2016. When he became Patron, he said:
“The Trust gives a tremendous boost to National League clubs. Many of them have been working with their local communities for a number of years, mostly supported from their own funds, and we aim to encourage others to start working in this way. We hope that the support that the Trust can give will allow more clubs to grow and sustain their work, and we do not underestimate the important part football has to play in helping people. However they choose to improve their lives, whether through sport, volunteering or education – The National League Trust will be there.”
Jack Pearce, Chair of the Trust and National League, commented “Brian was a friend and colleague to many and a fountain of wisdom to those of us who worked alongside him across his lifetime. Brian was a true gentleman, communicator and above all else, a compassionate and caring individual. May I, on behalf of all connected with the National League and Trust, extend our sincere condolences to his sons, Bryn and Tim and all other members of the Lee family at this difficult time.”
For more information on Brian and his contributions to sport, please visit the following link: Down Memory Lane – Brian Lee
