Glenavon join tributes for ‘Mr Football’ Malcolm Brodie

Malky, as he was know to his many friends, had a long connection with Glenavon going back to 1950 when he accompanied the team on their famous trip to New York for an international tournament.

A long and warm friendship developed with the club over the years and it was Malcolm who helped produce the club’s 100 Year centenary book. He was also currently working on ideas for the club’s 125th anniversary year in 2014.

“I knew Malcolm personally but his connections with Glenavon go way back and we will all miss him,” said Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer. “He was a legend in the game.

“He was a true professional but above all he was a gentleman.”

Known as the doyen of Northern Ireland football writers, Malcolm began his career at the Portadown News, before moving to the Belfast Telegraph in 1943.

He reported at 14 World Cups which was recognised by football’s world governing body, FIFA a few years ago.

Malcolm loved the game both at local and international level, he was ‘Mr Football’ in Northern Ireland.

In 2011 Malcolm presented Lurgan football legend Jimmy Jones with a special Hall of Fame Award at the NI Football Writers dinner.