• Alan Beecroft - RIP

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 9:54 pm**

Its hard to find words expressing the loss of Beeky, I’ve sat with him for around 20 years at the Turf & been going with him for about 30, he & Colne clarets used to pick me up at Knutsford services with me living in Macclesfield. I’ve now moved to Spain & I was lucky enough to have Beeky stop with me whilst he was able to make the journey & the picture of the parrot was taken at my house & I don’t think the parrot has forgotten him. RIP in peace a true friend who will live long in my memory as well as many others. RIP Beeky..........

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 9:55 pm**

Its hard to find words expressing the loss of Beeky, I’ve sat with him for around 20 years at the Turf & been going with him for about 30, he & Colne clarets used to pick me up at Knutsford services with me living in Macclesfield. I’ve now moved to Spain & I was lucky enough to have Beeky stop with me whilst he was able to make the journey & the picture of the parrot was taken at my house & I don’t think the parrot has forgotten him. RIP in peace a true friend who will live long in my memory as well as many others. RIP Beeky..........

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 9:56 pm**

Another ex-Colne Clarets traveller, and one on that train in 94....................saw him not long ago, a proper Claret. Recall going to a cup game with CC at Tottenham and something like 5 coaches pulled up at a pub “unexpectedly”..........Beeky put ‘em right........

Forest away when Thug Pearce showed his true colours............Beeky vocal with his views!

Things like this puts life into perspective.

Top man.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 10:03 pm**

Didn't know Alan personally, but looking at his photo, he's someone I've seen at away ground over the years.
Reading through this thread, it's obvious how highly thought of he was.

R.I.P Alan

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 10:09 pm**

A very sad loss indeed, Alan was an absolute Clarets legend and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace and may you cheer the Clarets on from wherever you rest.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 10:10 pm**

Very sad to hear.

Some great memories of away games with him. Non more so than Rochdale when he carried me off under 1 arm like a battering ram and charged down the street. I was about 7 to be fair.

A lovely bloke who will be sadly missed.

RIP Beeky

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 10:11 pm**

Sad sad day , I spoke to Simon in the Dragon in Barrowford on the Saturday before Christmas and he said he was really poorly. RIP Beaky

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:20 pm**

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 17, 2020 9:36 pm
Nice words Tony

Very nice , touching, words

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:25 pm**

Sad news, worked with Alan for a few years, always talked to him about the clarets.

Long live the mans memory . UTC

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:30 pm**

All our thoughts are with Beeky’s loving and loveable family.

He was a loyal Claret who helped many of us get to and from various games. He had a unique sense of humour and wasn’t always politically correct but that added to his charm. In recent years he was noticeable with that hat or maybe he even had more than one!
He was one of those guys who helped shaped the history of Burnley FC

Hopefully is name will be added to this Sunday’s Memoriam. Even his final journey was planned with precision

RIP Alan

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:33 pm**

Lovely fella. Sad news.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:35 pm**

RIP. I wish I will get such a wonderful and appreciative send off, but doubt it. Well done pal.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:42 pm**

Didn't know Alan, but empathising with his close friends loss. I lost my lifelong pal of over 50 years very recently who died of cancer at the age of 58. I've only just realised that the Leicester game is the tribute game to all those Clarets who've passed away in the last year. How do you go about ensuring a name on the list? He was an ardent supporter, a season ticket holder for decades and we watched many a game together. I miss him a lot and still find myself wanting to text him after every game.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:43 pm**

Spike wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:30 pm
Hopefully is name will be added to this Sunday’s Memoriam. Even his final journey was planned with precision

RIP Alan

It has been added. His name won’t be on the list in the programme, that’s already been printed, but is on the list for the big screen. I’ll ensure something goes in the programme for the Arsenal game.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:45 pm**

Sad news.I’ve sat next but one to Alan for the last few years and it was an absolute pleasure especially the banter he had with stockbrokerbelt.He always had time for you and helpful.I managed to have a word with him at the last league game.He was sat in the corner of the beer tent surrounded by his family.RIP Alan,a top claret.

Posted: **Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:52 pm**

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 17, 2020 9:26 pm
When I started this thread I wrote that I was struggling to find the words but I've written something for the site although they seem almost inadequate for such a good person as Alan was. I didn't want to start another thread so the link is below.

https://www.uptheclarets.com/alan-beecr ... to-so-many

Just a note to say what a heart warming article about a lovely bloke. I too remember many happy away days with Colne Clarets which he helped to make happen. His family can be rightly proud of a good bloke who made an effort for other people.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 12:30 am**

So sad to hear this. Beeky was always a friendly face I could say hi to especially at away games going back into the late 70s, and always came across as a really good guy. Last time I spoke with him was one of my rare visits back to England in April 2013 before the away game at Blackpool on the seafront when he was struggling to keep that hat from being blown away

RIP.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 12:49 am**

Like many others I knew Alan mainly because of the hat and mainly because he has been around as ling as I have. Do many of the British Gas crew were such characters!!
R.i.p Alan
Another one gone.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 1:33 am**

I didn’t know Alan personally but was at meetings where he spoke in the Centre Spot as the supporters club was getting off the ground. It is obvious from all the posts how much he was liked and admired. RIP, Alan.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 1:39 am**

Very sad news. Always sad to lose a Claret but Alan was a very active and committed Claret who did so much for fellow supporters.

Condolences to all his family and close friends.

RIP

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 2:02 am**

Mentioning Alan’s Akubra hat, I still remember after he came back from his trip to Australia, him coming into the 110 club and proud as punch showing my Aussie wife is new, what became his trademark, hat!!

RIP Alan.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 2:22 am**

Like everyone else ....I can only express my condolences at this very sad news.

I dont think I've seen Beeky for approximately 5 years, however, he was a very significant figure in my upbringing.

I remember him and my dad taking us to away games. We would cram me, my brother, Simon.... and whoever else wanted to come into the car and travel the length & breadth of the country.

I remember the random stops on the way to see a steam train that was passing through which ever town we found ourselves in.

I remember him absolutely b*llocking me one day on holiday when he caught me swearing .....but then giving me that smile and wink and told me he wouldn't tell my dad!

I remember him attempting to tell me and Simon off one away trip when he caught us pressing every pedestrian crossing button on the way to the ground ....but then cracking up laughing when he saw the queue of traffic we had created!

I remember sleep overs at Simon's and thinking his dad was quite possibly the funniest person I'd ever met.

I remember when I bought my first house and just how generous he was when he came to sort out fitting new radiators, etc

I'm just so sorry for Simon and all of the family. Alan was one in a million.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 5:24 am**

Herts Claret, I know Terry we’ll and Alan will be a big loss to him. Your mention of “ some characters at British Gas” made chuckle. The stories them lads could tell from working at people’s houses were hilarious, as Terry will vouch. Tell him I’ve just had Jimmy Greaves do some work for me and I passed the message of Alan to him.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 6:32 am**

Lovely article......the rest has been said.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 7:54 am**

I didn't know Alan personally but being the same age and more than likely watching the Clarets over the same periods of time I knew him by sight. May I offer my condolences to all his family and friends.
CT, that was a wonderful article with a perfect balance of humour, emotion and sentiment. It encapsulates what this site is all about, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Alan RIP.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:29 am**

Bfc wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 18, 2020 5:24 am
Herts Claret, I know Terry we’ll and Alan will be a big loss to him. Your mention of “ some characters at British Gas” made chuckle. The stories them lads could tell from working at people’s houses were hilarious, as Terry will vouch. Tell him I’ve just had Jimmy Greaves do some work for me and I passed the message of Alan to him.

I will be speaking to Terry tomorrow. Can I ask your name and I will pass on to him.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:18 am**

Lovely funny man.
RIP Alan, RIP.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:46 am**

Always sad to lose a fellow Claret - didn’t know Alan personally but recall seeing him at most of the Southern grounds during our low years. MND is an awful disease - it claimed my Aunty Sheila (Elliman) during our play off winning season - she had been a season ticket holder for probably 30 years but sadly stopped going due to her illness.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:34 am**

I didn’t know Alan but I certainly recognise him from the pictures. He always stood out with the hat on. RIP. A sad loss to an awful disease.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:50 am**

Sad news, RIP Alan

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:51 am**

Very sad news, RIP

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 12:33 pm**

I didn't know Alan but I know his face just from being in and around the football scene.

Very sad news and my condolences go out to all his family and friends.

RIP Alan

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 3:00 pm**

Didn't know him at all but the name spikes something in me that i should have .
For all those who have wrote something he was a peoples man and will be missed by many another Clarets . He may have lost his seat at the Turf but his children and grand children will keep the light burning .

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 3:02 pm**

I first met Beeky around 15 years ago, always enjoyed his mischievous sense of humour and knew that every time I saw him we would end up having a laugh about something or other. It was heartbreaking to see him with this awful disease but I'm sure he's at peace now.
The Clarets are a lot poorer for not having him around anymore.
My condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.

RIP Al

Nige 'knock off'

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 3:09 pm**

Herts Claret, my Ex B Gas neighbour, who told me of Alan’s passing, often sees Terry, so he will mention it to him. I’d rather do it that way, than give my name on here.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 3:15 pm**

Did not get to know Alan well but we’ll enough for a chat. Used to love those days travelling to the pit heads of the football league Maidstone, Scarborough and the like, before work commitments got in the way of travel. Another I thought would never go, he never seemed to change whenever I did see him.

RIP Alan. God bless

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 4:50 pm**

NIDGE 65 wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 18, 2020 3:02 pm
I first met Beeky around 15 years ago, always enjoyed his mischievous sense of humour and knew that every time I saw him we would end up having a laugh about something or other. It was heartbreaking to see him with this awful disease but I'm sure he's at peace now.
The Clarets are a lot poorer for not having him around anymore.
My condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.

RIP Al

Nige 'knock off'

That made me laugh, the reference to knock off

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 5:16 pm**

My condolences to Beeky and his family.

As a kid I used to travel with Colne Clarets, and was on the infamous special train to Wembley in ‘94.

Moving away from Burnley and not having a season ticket anymore, I used to struggle with tickets, and Beeky would always help out where he could.

RIP.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 6:16 pm**

RIP Alan. BFC Has many fantastic loyal fans, Beeky was up there with the most loyal. Top bloke, known him since North Western Gas Board back in the 70's. Sad day.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:17 pm**

Just seen this, very sad news indeed.

I remember Alan many years ago since he was good mates with the brother of a good friend of mine who lived next door, about 50 years ago. Was a claret then and used to see him about and around on many a match day.

Really nice guy.

RIP Beeky.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:58 pm**

I've just been speaking to my dad about Alan. He summed him up very simply: a big hat, a big voice and a big heart.

Posted: **Sat Jan 18, 2020 9:26 pm**

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:58 pm
I've just been speaking to my dad about Alan. He summed him up very simply: a big hat, a big voice and a big heart.

Big Hat - tick
Big Voice - tick
Big Heart - massive tick

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:23 am**

Devasting news, Alan installed a passion in me for the Clarets that I can not describe.

Been thinking about Alan a lot whilst back-packing in Cambodia over the last few weeks. Looking at the 100's of hotels literally being thrown up with Chinese and Russian money, I kept wondering how many would pass his hotel gas checks.

Alan has helped me watch Burnley from being 9 years old, not coming from a football family, he along with many of others from the Colne Clarets family took me under their wing as I travelled the length of the country watching Burnley. I recognise many of the people behind the posters on here and uncountable more faces from those journeys on match days. My mum would pay at the bakery next to Nelson Library during the week and Alan would often pick me at take me along with my best friend to games. We'd excuse ourself from school for Tuesday away games, quickly get changed and jump on the coaches at the Golden Ball. If there was not enough room on coaches Alan would sometimes drive and we'd sit in the back of his van with the copper pipes and fittings! Each summer he'd help my mum buy a season ticket for my birthday. He took me to my first England match aged 13, it was great to meet up with him, Cotty and others in Germany as an adult for the World Cup.

Alan's mobile number was one of only three I've never needed to save, he was always at the end of the phone for help. If we needed tickets, or later we'd run our own mini buses/coaches and he'd help with routes, arrive on my own in a town and needed to find friendly faces--he'd always have time. I rang him summer 2018 to ask about a Burnley matter whilst on holiday, we spoke for 10 minutes about the birth of my boy etc and I asked what he was upto "I'm at the Turf, I'm getting married in 20 minutes" I was humbled but not surprised he still had time to talk to me. Later that month just before the Aberdeen away match he told my best friend and I about his illness--it was like a punch to the stomach, I can still hear my friend now "but you're going to be OK?"

I've cried thinking about how much he has done for me over the past 25 years, it was an honour for my mother and I that he and his wife travelled to celebrate my wedding in Yorkshire.

Today I will think of Clarets we've lots, although it will be Beeky in the front of my mind. I'm sure this is hard time for all the family, especially Simon but I hope they find comfort that Alan's legacy lives in all four corners of his beloved Turf Moor. He has helped ignite, develop and nurture 100's of Burnley fans- this will be passed down through generations.

No doubt Burnley has lost its greatest fan.
Young David

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:37 am**

Loyal Claret- What a lovely heartfelt tribute.

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:22 am**

Can't really add anything that hasn't already been written.

RIP Beeky

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:46 am**

Loyalclaret wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:23 am
Devasting news, Alan installed a passion in me for the Clarets that I can not describe.

Been thinking about Alan a lot whilst back-packing in Cambodia over the last few weeks. Looking at the 100's of hotels literally being thrown up with Chinese and Russian money, I kept wondering how many would pass his hotel gas checks.

Alan has helped me watch Burnley from being 9 years old, not coming from a football family, he along with many of others from the Colne Clarets family took me under their wing as I travelled the length of the country watching Burnley. I recognise many of the people behind the posters on here and uncountable more faces from those journeys on match days. My mum would pay at the bakery next to Nelson Library during the week and Alan would often pick me at take me along with my best friend to games. We'd excuse ourself from school for Tuesday away games, quickly get changed and jump on the coaches at the Golden Ball. If there was not enough room on coaches Alan would sometimes drive and we'd sit in the back of his van with the copper pipes and fittings! Each summer he'd help my mum buy a season ticket for my birthday. He took me to my first England match aged 13, it was great to meet up with him, Cotty and others in Germany as an adult for the World Cup.

Alan's mobile number was one of only three I've never needed to save, he was always at the end of the phone for help. If we needed tickets, or later we'd run our own mini buses/coaches and he'd help with routes, arrive on my own in a town and needed to find friendly faces--he'd always have time. I rang him summer 2018 to ask about a Burnley matter whilst on holiday, we spoke for 10 minutes about the birth of my boy etc and I asked what he was upto "I'm at the Turf, I'm getting married in 20 minutes" I was humbled but not surprised he still had time to talk to me. Later that month just before the Aberdeen away match he told my best friend and I about his illness--it was like a punch to the stomach, I can still hear my friend now "but you're going to be OK?"

I've cried thinking about how much he has done for me over the past 25 years, it was an honour for my mother and I that he and his wife travelled to celebrate my wedding in Yorkshire.

Today I will think of Clarets we've lots, although it will be Beeky in the front of my mind. I'm sure this is hard time for all the family, especially Simon but I hope they find comfort that Alan's legacy lives in all four corners of his beloved Turf Moor. He has helped ignite, develop and nurture 100's of Burnley fans- this will be passed down through generations.

No doubt Burnley has lost its greatest fan.
Young David

Young David, you've got Alan absolutely spot on with that.

I think we met on the Ireland trip to play Bohs in Feb 2008. Alan phoned me to ask how I was getting there and I said I didn't think I was going because none of the lads I travelled to away games with could make it. So he TOLD me I was going and that I was going with him. He told me which flights to book, which hotel to book, and said he'd be at my front door at 4 a.m. on the Friday to take me to the airport. Brilliant trip too even though someone thought it was a good idea to walk all the way from O'Connell Street to Kilmainham Gaol.

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 11:13 am**

I didn't know the chap but reading these tributes is very moving.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends - and there are many - who are suffering so much.

RIP

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 4:56 pm**

Really pleased to see all his family at the Turf today - all that was missing was the hat.

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:50 pm**

As loyal claret has just said Alan was a massive influence in my younger days following the clarets. The trip we went in to Turkey in 1997 that he organised and getting tshirts printed with 'promotions a doddle with waddle' on them (how wrong we were). Through to his tireless efforts running the coaches with Colne clarets. I've just had a quick chat on the phone with Simon on what must have been an incredibly emotional day for him and all the family

Your dad would be proud Simon
And I am convinced he had a say in the result today. Keep giving the lads a cheer from heaven Al. You really were a true gent and a true claret.

RIP Alan.

Shaun

Posted: **Sun Jan 19, 2020 11:20 pm**

So so sad and what a horrible disease Motor Neurone is. Like most on here I first met Alan through Colne Clarets which was a brilliant supporters club with a mass of happy memories. Not only that but it was a starter for great friendships being made which are still existing today. Our last away trip when we met up with Alan was in Athens for the Olympiacos game , which was actually part of Alan and Georgina's honeymoon. One of our group has shared the attached photo of Alan and Georgina with us all - very special memory. An amazing and genuine man who helped so many people gain access to watch our beloved team over many, many years. Deepest sympathy to Simon, Georgina and all the family.

Alan Beecroft - RIP

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