For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former player who became a fans favourite.
Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read and Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton and Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson and Graham French, Alan West and David Moss.
The latest Hatter to be featured is Terry Branston, as suggested by Philip Carter.
When recalling the Luton Town career of one Terry Branston, memories of his exploits as a defender immediately spring to mind.
Terry was a nonsense defender, taking no prisoners when it came to doing his defensive duties, but he also possessed something that was to make him invaluable to the team, his natural leadership abilities.
Branston started his career with Northampton Town and was instrumental in the clubs phenomenal climb from Division 4 to Division 1 in successive seasons, a feat few other clubs have matched.
Unfortunately, Northampton’s rapid rise was short-lived and relegation was the new buzz word for the Cobblers.
As a result, Terry moved to Luton Town in 1967, with the persuasive tongue of the then manager, Allan Brown, persuading him to sign for the Hatters.
Terry was the perfect buy and, instantly, was given the club captaincy with many of the support believing he was the final piece in the Luton Town jigsaw.
As a result, a buoyant Luton, captained by Terry, stormed to the Fourth Division title in a season (1967/1968) that will forever be etched on my mind as it was my first as a regular attendee at Kenilworth Road.
With the Hatters on a roll, Branston again captained the side to another promotion as the Hatters started to climb the league ladder.
However, after 101 league appearances and 9 league goals, Terry left the club to join Lincoln City.
Sadly, Terry passed away on 22nd December 2010 from brain cancer – RIP.
Terry Branston – Mini Fact File
Name – Terence George Branston
Date of Birth – 25-July-1938
Place of Birth – Rugby, England
Position – Centre Back
Youth Career – Northampton Town
Career – Northampton Town, Luton Town, Lincoln City, Nuneaton Borough
If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Terry Branston, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.
If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.
My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.
Next up in the series will be – John Aston suggested by Andrew Ellis
COYH’s
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Midfielders New Deal Delights Luton Support
Future ex player suggestion – Chris Nichol (aka the wig man)!
added to the list
Terry was my favourite ever player, a wonderful captain and brilliant in the air. I remember him having Vaseline covered eyebrows to lessen the impact of heading that heavy ball. I have a hand written letter from him after his testimonial game at Northampton where he mentions John Moore and Ray Harford. I just loved the man.
he was a fans favourite and one of my favourites. he looked like a rugby player, and his tackles were sometimes rugby style. he always showed grit and determination, a great leader of men. he also had a great rapport with the crowd, almost like a cheeky chappy type character, but the crunching tackle was’nt far away. well deserved addition to your all time greats. COYH.