Derik Brooks RIP

Deepest sympathy to all at Eastleigh Football Club, whose Club Founder passed away on Monday, at the age of 94

At first glance, whilst sad for all who knew him, this isn't something that would usually be flagged up here at Champion Hill.

Derik was one of the founding members of what was then Swaythling Athletic and moved the Club to the current Ten Acres site in 1957. He remained involved, in many differing roles, until his passing. He had a huge impact on the club’s progress and ‘The Spitfires’ remained close to Derik’s heart throughout his life.

Derik was also the Life President of Eastleigh & the following extract from that interview for their club website back in 2014 reveals a connection to The Hamlet

But in his younger days he was a local boy & a keen Dulwich Hamlet fan. He grew up watching Dulwich Hamlet which sparked his love for football before he was ultimately evacuated down to Chichester.

‘As a self-described ‘ex-Londoner’, Eastleigh FC owes a debt of thanks to Dulwich Hamlet FC for spiking the young Brooks’ interest in football.'

"I used to go to Dulwich Hamlet with my father. They had a lot of England internationals in their side. They were the bees-knees. That’s how I got my interest in football."

"I always look for the result of Dulwich Hamlet on a Sunday morning. After that, I’m not really interested. I’m interested in our club and the teams they play. I always read about Totton and other local clubs as a point of interest, and just to keep up with the times".

Those childhood trips to watch his local team were the first steps on a storied track that culminated with Brooks, after he had re-located further south, creating what Hill and Donald now hope to turn into ‘a monster’ of a football club.

It goes to show how widespread the memories are for our great club. Even though he became so involved in Eastleigh Football Club he never forgot his 'footballing roots' here in our corner of South-East London; and even though there may not be anyone from Champion Hill today who will remember him, we pay our respects for the misty-eyed affection he held for his younger years as a Dulwich Hamlet fan.

To everyone at Eastleigh FC, as well as his closer family and friends, we offer our heartfelt sympathy on their loss of a great man who devoted his life to the great game.