Friday evening’s game was a fitting tribute to our much-loved friend Sean Brett. It was a game he would have loved: hard work, attacking intent, sublime finishing and 7 goals to entertain the crowd. More importantly, it was a time to reflect and pay respect to Sean and his family.

Thanks must go to our opponents, Aberffraw, for their immaculate behaviour, respect and support. The evening started with a public announcement. It listed Sean’s vast achievements with the Tigers, relayed a message from his wife (Nicola) thanking the community for the outpouring of grief and support. Our hearts went out to her and her children, Noah and Hope.

The announcer (Robin) handled the address beautifully; poignantly his voice broke at the end: he felt the impending sadness too. A minute’s applause followed at 19:29 and the game started 60 seconds later. For the briefest of moments, it was only the voices of the players that could be heard. The crowd had fallen silent – individuals lost in a personal moment - contemplating what Sean had meant to each. There was visible collective grief, tearful for some and touching for all.

Paying tribute to Sean comes easily because he wore his heart on his sleeve. First and foremost, he loved playing football. An intelligent, consistent right back, he enjoyed 5 and 11 a side and naturally took on captaincy. Appropriate too that he supported Nottingham Forest, as he had similar qualities to their iconic manager, Brian Clough: both were good judges of a player and both good motivators; both inspired loyalty, were astute tacticians and possessed a strong will to win. Can you imagine him looking down on us now, with that wry, twinkly grin? ‘Comparing me to Brian Clough – I’ll take that!’

He went on to management and displayed skills that brought a long list of achievements for Menai Bridge. Along with his coaching team, he developed and motivated local juniors, many of whom graduated to the first team, as he was always prepared to give them a chance. He would go the extra mile, proving a father figure to his prospects and many went on to achieve notable success, Sam Jones being a prime example. Likewise, he respected and motivated the seniors, which was reciprocated. Many of them could have chosen to play in higher leagues but gave loyalty to the Gaffer and helped bring great success to Menai Bridge – Danny Brookwell, Sion Hogan, Matthew Lock, Andy Barker and Darren Gowans, to name a few.

Sean was the supreme organiser, co-ordinating all the behind-the-scenes aspects that are needed to run a football club: registration forms, kit washing, pitch prep, result reporting and end of season events. He was ably assisted by a hard-working Committee and a right-hand man as good as they come: Sean and Aaron (Spon) were as ever present and instantly recognisable as Forest’s Clough and Taylor.

The after-match gathering at the Bulkeley on Friday was equally as poignant as the match. Players/officials/supporters attended, past and present; a selection from 5-a side, Sunday league, Anglesey, Gwynedd, North Wales Coast Leagues and all the Aberffraw lads. ‘Just Giving’ was an appropriate phrase - £4k reached in donations and gate receipts to be counted – thank you to all that have given generously. Just giving our memories of Sean too, characterised the night. It was clear how much he meant to us, as players spoke with pride of scoring a goal in a final, saving two penalties in a crucial league decider, graduating from the juniors, being given a first chance or just getting a pat on the back from the Boss and being believed in. If you think of some of the best times and memories you have had in football, a lot of them were down to Sean. That is a measure of the man and the gratitude we owe to him.

In walked Spon, a quick glance to see that everything was running smoothly. The weight that man has carried on his shoulders in the last week has been enormous, Karl and the Committee too. The Community will want to thank Spon for the way he has arranged matters at this difficult time. We all hope it’s of comfort to him to know that he has been a comfort to us – because somehow whenever you see Spon, a little bit of Sean lives on.

For a small, picturesque Anglesey Town, Menai Bridge has a proud and strong sporting tradition. Clubs have enjoyed success and honours in: cricket, rugby, bowls, badminton and football. Sean made an enormous contribution, not just in honours but in the unforgettable experiences created. We came to the lovely postage-stamp field - behind the library, flanked by tall trees and with houses on the touchline. You were as likely to see families as you were groups of mates seated on the long wall enjoying a beer, or standing behind the goal and enjoying a cuppa with Graham and Meinir. It was an atmospheric fortress, as the play was so close to the spectators. There was so much drama, so many unforgettable moments, so much success to cheer for.

Hold those thoughts for a moment: each of us will have a special memory. Think of the man who gave them to us and of his tragic, inexplicable loss and if there’s a tear in your eye it will be a collective one. So sad. So wrong. So unjust. Sean has been taken from us but those memories and his legacy will live on: he will never be forgotten.

Dave Barker

Photo credit: Sam Eaden Instagram