Former Hatters reporter and programme editor passes away
Everyone at Kenilworth Road has been saddened to learn of the death of Brian Swain, who was the voice of Luton Town for many years in his role of Sports Editor of the Luton News, in the days before the internet and instant news, Chiltern Radio, Club Call and latterly as editor of the club’s programme.
Luton born, Brian was given his dream job, that of Sports Editor of the Luton News, at the end of 1972 and so began a 25 year stint at the paper where he covered all the highs and lows of the Hatters, which included the near demise of the club in 1975, that glorious day at Wembley in 1988 and several promotions and relegations along the way.
Many Luton Town supporters grew up hanging on his words and it was a sad day when he left the paper in 1997, but he continued as a freelance reporter as well as editor of the club’s programme before finally hanging up his pen in 2004 after covering an amazing 1629 consecutive domestic Hatters matches.
Brian retired to Falmouth in 2004 but still made the long trip to Kenilworth Road a couple of times a year to meet up with his old friends.
Our condolences go out to his wife Rosemary and the rest of his family.
An appreciation of Brian’s life, written by his close working colleague and fellow Luton Town nut Denis O’Donoghue, will appear in the club’s programme on 18th May.
Roger Wash