FORMER long-serving Ipswich Town director Ken Brightwell died today at the age of 84.The one-time leading Ipswich estate agent was a Blues board member from 1964 to 1995.

By Dave Allard

FORMER long-serving Ipswich Town director Ken Brightwell died today at the age of 84.

The one-time leading Ipswich estate agent was a Blues board member from 1964 to 1995. He then became a vice-president.

Mr Brightwell, who died in a Hadleigh nursing home after a long illness, was invited onto the board after being a leading light in the supporters' club.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks today paid tribute. He said: "This is sad news. He was an

utterly devoted supporter of Ipswich Town from

childhood.

"It was my pleasure to serve on the board with him from when I joined in 1987 to 1995 when he became a vice-president. Ken was such a knowledgeable man about football and business. He was a magnificent servant to our club and will be greatly missed."

Harold Smith served as a director with Mr Brightwell over the same period from 1964 before also becoming a vice-president.

He said today: "Ken came on to the board from the supporters' club. I always admired him. He was never a yes- man. He always had his own ideas and was a splendid

servant to our club."

Mr Brightwell, who was once a renowned rally

driver, began watching Town from the age of six.

In an Evening Star interview, he once revealed that he saw his first match after being taken to the ground on the crossbar of his father's bicycle.

Pat Godbold, former long-serving managers'

secretary at Portman Road, worked closely with Mr Brightwell for many years.

She said: "I've told Sir Bobby Robson of this loss and George Burley. They were both saddened.

"Ken was a wonderful man and a fine director. I will always remember in particular the way he could also make people laugh."

Mr Brightwell leaves a widow, Kath, and a son, Paul.

Tony Garnett, former Evening Star sports editor who travelled all over Europe with Mr Brightwell reporting the Town, said: "Ken was unique in being the only person ever to be invited on to the board from the supporters' club. He was a great

ambassador for Ipswich Town and always a pleasure to deal with.

"He was always mindful that the supporters' organisation of the day put him up for the board. Ken was a real grassroots man at board level and gained much respect for it.

"He served Town staunchly through the good times and the not-so-good. He did many specific tasks for the board and, being an estate agent, was always the man to help new players find

accommodation."