The Cumbrian football family is in shock at the news of the sudden death of Dale Brotherton at the age of 54.
It’s been particularly felt at the Workington club where Dale had a long association as secretary, director, chairman and in recent years, supporter.
He had also been involved at Penrith and was well known across the county, particularly in the north and west.
When the definitive history of Workington AFC comes to be written Dale is one of those characters who probably deserves a chapter to himself.
Although secretary was his first role at the Reds he is best remembered for his part in the saving of the club after the financial crisis that emerged after the Bill Wilson years in charge.
Reds were reportedly over £100,000 in debt and it was through the efforts of a new consortium, with key roles played by Humphrey Dobie and Dale that the club was saved from collapse.
Dale, who was also a season ticket holder at Newcastle United, had an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of football in the North East and north west.
He played a major role in the appointment of Tommy Cassidy as Reds manager when the club went on to enjoy a particularly successful spell.
He became the club’s youngest-ever chairman and built a close relationship with the supporters groups.
There was a rather acrimonious split to his time at the Reds after shareholders rejected his controversial plans to develop Borough Park.
But in recent years he has been back, home and away, supporting the team in action, accompanied by his two young daughters.
The club said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of former Reds chairman Dale Brotherton. He was 54.
“He became the club’s youngest chairman, taking over the role in his early 30s and spent six years in the post. He also had several years as club secretary.
“Dale attended numerous games this season, home and away.
“We send our condolences to his wife Nicki, their three children and his extended circle of friends and associates.”
