Gretna men pay tribute to Mileson's generosity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The former Gretna manager Davie Irons paid tribute to the "generosity" of Brooks Mileson following the death of the now defunct club's owner. Mileson died aged 60 on Monday after a long battle with illness.
Former Gretna chairman Ron MacGregor said he collapsed at his home in Blackford near Carlisle and was taken to Cumberland Infirmary where he later died. MacGregor said Mileson had been receiving treatment for a neurological illness and had spent time at a specialist unit in Newcastle but his condition had not improved despite receiving the best care.
The Sunderland-born businessman financed Gretna's rapid rise from the Third Division to the Scottish Premier League before the club was wound up in May. Mileson also helped Gretna reach the 2006 Scottish Cup final, where they lost to Hearts.
His funding, which totalled £8m, stopped in February after he spent time in hospital with a brain infection, the latest in a number of illnesses he fought in recent years.
Irons, now Morton manager, said: "Brooks Mileson was probably one of the most generous people I have ever come across. He took a lot of stick for what happened in the end but I would like to think he'll be remembered for his generosity, not just in football, but the wider community.
"He was generous and passionate and very honest and a trustworthy guy to so many people. He was also a bit naive – he put a lot of trust in people who let him down.
"He said to me on a number of occasions: 'I never fail to be disappointed by the human race but I can't help putting my trust in people'."
MacGregor paid tribute to Mileson, saying: "He was a great force in Gretna's rise through the Scottish league. Mr Mileson's drive and finances that he made available to the club led to incredible success for Gretna."
8
Number of millions of pounds that former owner Brooks Mileson invested in Gretna.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments