Football royalty remember ‘legend’ Frank Brown

GENERATIONS OF person who have passed through Excelsior High School took a moment to remember a great contributor to the development of sport at the institution, Frank George Brown, at the Excelsior Auditorium on Friday afternoon.

Known mainly for his football successes at the schoolboy level, Brown, who has the distinction of being only one of two coaches to win the Manning and daCosta Cup competitions, passed away in February after ailing for some time.

He had his biggest impact while coaching Dinthill Technical High School, winning the rural area title in 1981, and then Excelsior High, where he led that school to Manning Cup titles in 1989 and 1993.

Remembered as a father, coach, gentleman and friend, his grandson Andre Brown said he should be revered for mentoring and guiding many men and women on and off the field during his lifetime.

“His legacy will live on, not only through his children. I will ensure that Frank’s name lives on through my son and his grandsons. His name will live,” Andre told the gathering.

“Despite his light-hearted personality, he left an impact that cannot be matched. His love for sports and family must be revered.”

Fomer national player and icon, Walter Boyd, who played on the 1989 team, acknowledged his own indiscipline as a young player, saying Brown was one who got him to follow the rules.

GREAT IMPACT

“Frank Brown, as a coach, had one of the greatest impacts on me in life in terms of football.

“I was really hard to deal with, so I have to give the coach credit, because he had it hardest with me. I did not want to do much training but Coach was the man who curbed that and instilled some discipline in me. So I will always remember Coach. He is my boss.

“How he talks to you and gets his point across was just unique. So I had to come pay respect to a great Jamaican legend,” said Boyd.

Captain of the 1993 team, Fabian Watkins, said Brown was a true mentor, a father figure and a gentleman.

“He invited me to Manning Cup training at 15. I was shocked because I thought Manning Cup was big man thing. And, from 1990, this man has been in my life every day ‘til he passed.

“He was a true gentleman. I travel with the man all over Jamaica and no one has anything negative to say about this man. Everybody has the same respect for him. I will never forget that. And I will miss him,” said Watkins.

Local football legend and Brown’s former national youth teammate, Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, said Brown was an extraordinary football ambassador and icon.

“Frank gave it his all and was an inspiration to many of us. In the Jamaica Under-15 team, Frank was one of the most encouraging players.

“We have to respect and revere Frank Brown for what he meant to us as players and individuals. He left us a great legacy, and may his soul rest in peace,” said Cole.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts said Brown has ascended to legendary status.

“Frank is certainly one of those legends of the sport. A former national captain and outstanding player. He gave back as a coach.

“We are very grateful and respectful for the impact he had on our youngsters. He must go down as a legend of modern-day football,” said Ricketts.

Brown was 83 years old at the time of his passing. He is survived by four children and 14 grandchildren.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com