A great servant to football in Cumbria has died at the age of 89.
Brian Taylor, who died earlier this week, had devoted much of his life to both his local community and the game of football.
To both he had given outstanding service over several decades.
Many first encountered Brian on the football field during his time as a referee, officiating in the West Cumberland Senior League and the Workington Sunday League.
This early involvement laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to football.
By the late 1960s, Brian had moved into administration, serving as Secretary of the Derwent Valley Junior League and the Derwent Valley League, both active at that time.
He also held the role of Secretary at the High Duty Alloys Social Club, demonstrating his strong community involvement, and spent a period with the Referees’ Society.
In 1975, Brian joined the Cumberland Football Association as a district representative.
Over the years, he became a central and much-respected figure within the organisation.
He served on numerous committees and took on the role of treasurer, remaining in that position until the association became incorporated.
He was also a dedicated member of the youth committee, regularly attending matches home and away in support of grassroots football.
In 1995, Brian was elected president of the county FA, a role he held with great distinction until 2023.
His leadership, commitment, and passion for the game left a lasting impact on the county FA and the wider local football community.
Former FA representative Albert Murphy paid tribute to him. He said: “His commitment to football at every level never wavered, and his service over so many years speaks for itself.”
Former county secretary and FA representative Geoff Turrell reflected on both his dedication and his personality.
He said: “Brian was a constant presence at all levels of the game, always supportive, and he brought a touch of humour with the ‘jokes’ he insisted on delivering at the start of formal occasions.”
Ben Snowdon, chief executive officer, added: “Brian was involved in the county FA when I first became involved with Cumberland FA over 20 years ago, and the first thing that struck you was his character.
“One of my most lasting memories had nothing to do with football and was when he casually mentioned that he had once booked The Beatles to play in Workington.
“He went on to say that, following a review in the NME, they contacted him to increase their fee, so he cancelled the booking, and liked to say he would forever be one of the few people to have cancelled The Beatles!
“I can’t say for certain whether the story was entirely factual, but knowing Brian, his personality and presence, you never really doubted it. It certainly sounded like him.
“From a football perspective his contribution to the county FA over so many years leaves a lasting legacy, not just within the organisation but across the whole local game. He was one of those characters from a generation we are sadly seeing less of.”
Brian Taylor’s contribution to local football and the wider community was immense. His dedication, service, and warm personality leave a legacy that will long be remembered, more than probably with a smile.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
