Brian Owen – who played on the left wing for Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers football clubs in the 1960s and 1970s before switching careers and training as a physiotherapist – has died at the age of 80.
Born in north west London, Brian became a firm favourite with Watford supporters (this contributor included!) after joining the Vicarage Road-based club as an apprentice. He went on to make 170 appearances for the club from 1963 to 1970.
His silky skills, goalscoring abilities and intelligent passing helped the Hornets gain the Third Division (now known as League One) title in the 1968-1969 season, during which he scored three times and made 30 appearances. In another highlight in his career, Brian also played in an FA Cup semi-final for Watford against Chelsea. The club had never risen to such dizzy heights.
‘Brian was revered for his warmth, versatility, and deep love of the game and he leaves behind a rich legacy of dedication, mentorship, and service to countless players and clubs throughout English football’ [Colchester United]
Steps into coaching and physiotherapy
Brian went on to play for Colchester United and then briefly for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the old First Division, before hanging up his players’ boots in 1973. At Wolves, he went on to coach the club’s youngsters to the 1976 FA Youth Cup final before being promoted to a first-team position.
He then went on to coach under Sir Bobby Robson at Ipswich Town, while also having jobs at Peterborough United and Cambridge United. As a physiotherapist, Brian worked for Crystal Palace, Luton Town and England. In a post titled ‘Rest in Peace: Brian Owen’ on its club website today (24 July), Luton said: ‘We are saddened to report the passing of our former physiotherapist.’
Colchester United ‘devastated’ by news
In a lengthy post on its site, Colchester United said the club was ‘devastated’ by the news of Brian’s demise. As well as playing for the club in the 1970s, Brian served as a physio, coach and scout after returning to the U’s in 1993. He earned a benefit match in 2005 and remained with the club until 2009.
The post notes: ‘Brian was revered for his warmth, versatility, and deep love of the game and he leaves behind a rich legacy of dedication, mentorship, and service to countless players and clubs throughout English football and will be remembered fully at the first game of the season on August 2nd.’
It adds: ‘Colchester United’s thoughts are with Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.’
Biography hails a ‘popular and down-to-earth professional’
Unusually, Brian’s football career flourished over six decades and he held key posts in each of the four top divisions in England.
Brian co-wrote a book about his life titled ‘A Man For All Seasons: Brian Owen’s Six-Decade Football Odyssey’ with Rob Hadgraft. Published in 2015, it includes contributions from former managers and colleagues David Pleat and Phil Parkinson.
The publicity material states that the content ‘pays tribute to one of the most popular, funniest and down-to-earth professionals ever to be involved with the beautiful game and is a must-read for football fans everywhere’.
PhysioUpdate joins Brian’s former clubs, including Watford, Wolves, Luton and Colchester United (from whom much of this material for this article was gathered), in sending our sympathies to Brian’s family and friends.
Image credit: Watford Treasury/Watford FC
