Rodney Brookes RIP

It is with much regret that we report the sad passing of Rodney Brookes, a distinguished former Dulwich Hamlet player.

Rod started his career with Wimbledon, where he played a number of first team games in the early 1960s, both at centre-half and centre-forward.

He joined Sutton United in 1965 and made 350 First Team appearances for the Gander Green Lane club, playing in their famous FA Cup tie against Leeds United and in an FA Amateur Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

He joined Dulwich in 1972 and made 383 First Team appearances in the Pink and Blue before retiring in 1980. In three of his eight seasons at Champion Hill, he made more appearances than any other player and in one of those, 1976/77, he was ever-present, playing in all 57 games. He helped us win the Surrey Senior Cup in 1974 and 1975, along with the Isthmian League Division One Championship in season 1977/78. He scored 12 goals for the First Team, one of which was the opening goal in our 2-0 Surrey Cup Final win over Leatherhead in 1975. In recognition of his twenty years in non-league football, he was awarded a testimonial by the Club in his final season, the first Dulwich player to be honoured in this way. A solid and dependable defender, Rod always gave of his best and was greatly respected by both players and supporters alike.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Sue, in her sad loss.