Sutton United

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing this week of one of the great names and characters from one of the club's greatest ever teams; no, make that one of the greatest amateur teams ever. Rod Brookes joined the U's from local rivals Wimbledon in September 1965 and later played for Dulwich Hamlet. Initially a centre forward, Rod played as a right winger for much of the 1966/67 season and then frequently filled in at right back during the following season. In 1968/69 he took over at right-half after Ted Powell broke his leg and Rod played in that position in the 1969 Amateur Cup Final and also featured in the famous FA Cup tie against Leeds United. He made 351 appearances for the U's, scoring 46 goals. We send our deepest condolences to Rod's wife Sue and to all of his family and friends.