Football League star Marvin Brown dies age 42 as clubs pay tribute | Football | Sport
Marvin Brown has died at the age of 42 following a battle with cancer, Bristol City have confirmed. While Brown had overcame colon cancer in 2022, he had been receiving end-of-life care as a result of cholangiocarcinoma – an aggressive form of bile duct cancer.
In the wake of his death, Bristol City have paid tribute to the former footballer, who represented the club between 1999 and 2004. They wrote: “Bristol City were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42. Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.
“While at the club, Marvin featured for England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in 2004. A proud Bristolian, Marvin founded Total Pro Soccer, a development centre for young boys in the Bristol area and worked as an Academy coach at Bristol City alongside and beyond his playing career in various roles and played a crucial role in the development of numerous Academy graduates.
“Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends. Due to having previously overcome many other health struggles, including a bout of colon cancer in 2022, Marvin was unable to secure life insurance and a fundraiser which has been set up for his wife Alexis and two young daughters already, reaching more than £63,000 in donations.
“A charity match has also been arranged at Twerton Park, home of Bath City on November 9th (2pm) to raise even more money. The Marvin Brown XI will take on a Bristol City XI, with tickets available in advance or on the day, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for kids.”
Brown kicked off his career with Bristol City in 1999, enjoying loan spells with Torquay United and Cheltenham Town before securing a permanent move to Forest Green Rovers in 2004. He joined Tamworth the same year, before moving on to Yeovil Town in 2005.
He then spent two years with Weston Super Mare, scoring 44 goals in 103 appearances before securing a move to Salisbury City in 2007. Brown returned to Weston Super Mare the following year, also representing Truro City and Chippenham Town before calling time on a fruitful career.
In the wake of his passing, Yeovil Town and Weston Super Mare also shared tributes to Brown on social media.
You can read more about Brown’s fundraiser, here.
