After Chris Munroe long announced his intentions to step down, Basford United had only announced just a week ago that a new Chairman was to take over in the clubs ambitious hot seat with plenty of promise ahead for the 2022/23 campaign after a tough few months for them, in particularly after surviving relegation from the Northern Premier League by just two points following huge hits financially inflicted by the covid layoff, but already that promise of a new dawn has fallen to the worse possible news as Jamie Brough, the new man at the helm for just a couple of days at Greenwich Avenue, passed away on Sunday  just 45 years-old.

Brough was brought in from the Hucknall based Educational Academy, Sports Gateway, who worked closely with Basford United in recent years, to oversee the running of the NPL outfit and take over the reigns left by Chris Munroe, but his sad passing will now leave the position void until the foreseeable.

On the club announcing the most upsetting news, Basford United FC’s official twitter stated “It is with great sadness and heartbreak that Basford United Football Club announce the passing of newly-appointed chairman and director, Jamie Brough, on Sunday, May 1.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to Jamie’s wife Karen and his entire family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Chris Munroe echoing those comments, saying “Jamie we only knew you for a short time, but your reputation building Sports Gateway was a testimony to you & your family. Your enthusiasm/personality was infectious. The whole of Basford United FC are shocked & so saddened by this & thoughts with your family. RIP.”

Sports Gateway, who Jamie led to such an inspiring facility for youngsters paving their way up through a sporting environment, stated on their Facebook “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing on Sunday 1st May of Jamie Brough, founder of Sports Gateway.

Mr Jamie Brough aged 45, who lived in Hucknall, has been working in sports for over 20 years and was passionate about making sports accessible for all to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people in Hucknall and the wider area. He leaves behind his wife and three children.

Jamie was devoted to Sports Gateway, the staff and students, and saw them as an extension of his family. He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts and passion to make Sports Gateway a place where students can excel in sports and education.

Jamie’s passion was to create an inclusive, enjoyable and inspiring environment, where all students are welcomed, encouraged and supported to be the best version of themselves.

Jamie has developed an incredible and capable staff team at Sports Gateway. This team are committed to ensuring the students are supported through this difficult time and are dedicated to continuing with Jamie’s vision and ethos for Sports Gateway. Sports Gateway will continue to operate as normal and all events and activities will take place as planned. We are expecting 41 students to graduate this year with a Level 3 Diploma in Sports and we will welcome 40 new school leavers in September 2022.”

Finally the Notts FA also echoed the good work that Jamie done with deep sadness in his death, relaying “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jamie Brough who has been so heavily involved in football across Nottinghamshire for many years. Our thoughts are with all of Jamie’s friends and family at this time. RIP Jamie”.

*Main image @Basfordutdfc Brough had only been announced as Basford United Chairman on April 29th.