Dave Bryant played a pivotal role in the founding of Enfield Town FC in 2001

Enfield Town FC have announced the death of its founding chairman Dave Bryant.

Dave was a pivotal figure in the founding of the club in 2001, as England’s first-ever fully fan-owned football club. He had been battling cancer and, in a gesture to honour him, Queen Elizabeth II Stadium was recently renamed in his honour until the end of the season.

A statement on the Enfield Town website announced on Sunday (17th): “The club sadly have to report the passing our founding chairman Dave Bryant. Dave had been bravely fighting cancer but passed away earlier today. Our deepest sympathy to his wife, daughters and friends and family.

“The club will always be indebted to Dave. His role in forming our club and making fan ownership a reality was recently covered in an article in the Non-League Paper. This loss will be keenly felt by all that knew him. Rest in peace Dave.“

Dave began supporting the former Enfield FC in 1968 when he first visited its Southbury Road ground, until it was sold off for housing by the club’s owner in the late 1990s.

In an interview with the Dispatch published earlier this month, Dave said: “The soul had been ripped out of club. I found it very hard even to walk down Southbury Road when the stadium was no longer there. It was horrible.”

But once the new club had been established, backed by a supporters’ trust, the new Enfield Town FC embarked on its journey up the football pyramid, which has so far taken it to step three in non-league.

“I’m very proud of my role in keeping senior non-league football in Enfield and have so many wonderful memories,” Dave said.

A full obituary and tribute to Dave is available on the Enfield Town FC website:
Visit https://etfc.london/dave-bryant-obituary/

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