Brian was born in Sale, Cheshire in February 1936.

Although he went to a rugby-playing Grammar School, football was his sport but hopes of a professional career with Port Vale were curtailed by a serious foot injury.

He immediately turned to coaching and at 18 became the youngest FA Staff Coach in the country.

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After a spell as a teacher, he joined the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall in Shropshire, then got an early chance as player-manager of semi-pro club Wellington Town in the Southern League. In 1966 the twin jobs led to a new role at Bisham Abbey, working for the Central Council of Physical Recreation.

Here, along with his wife Shirley-Ann, he got to meet the country’s greatest sporting stars – and a few other special guests as well.

Wycombe Wanderers comes calling

In December 1968 he was approached by Wycombe Wanderers.

Aged only 32, he accepted the part-time job to succeed Barry Darvill, but only after guarantees that his role was to be Manager, not just Coach like the previous six occupants.

Within weeks he got the long tradition of the team selection committee disbanded.

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The Lee era was underway.

The next seven years were to be extraordinary with four Isthmian League titles in five seasons while runners-up twice - confirming the Blues as the top amateur club in the country. Brian’s extensive list of contacts meant Great Britain & international stars were attracted to join the already impressive Wanderers squad.

A truly golden era was to unfold.

Bucks Free Press: Brian Lee gets his squad together before the memorable FA Cup third round match with Jack Charlton’s Middlesbrough - then current leaders of the old First Division, 1975.Brian Lee gets his squad together before the memorable FA Cup third round match with Jack Charlton’s Middlesbrough - then current leaders of the old First Division, 1975. (Image: Wycombe Wanderers)

Brian’s only managerial disappointment was not making a bigger impact on the FA Amateur Cup competition, with a semi-final appearance against Hendon in 1972 the closest they came to matching the 1957 Wembley heroes.

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But in 1975, he and his team made history by reaching the third round of the FA Cup.

A crowd of 12,000 packed Loakes Park to watch them hold First Division leaders Middlesbrough to a thrilling 0-0 draw.

It took an 89th-minute goal from England winger David Armstrong to slide Jack Charlton’s team through in the replay at Middlesbrough.  

There was silverware though late that year when Lee’s side again defied the odds to lift the Anglo-Italian Cup, beating Monza in October 1975.

Bucks Free Press: Brian showing off some of the trophies he’d won as manager before the club switched from Loakes Park in 1990 to the new ground of Adams Park - a move he’d pioneered.Brian showing off some of the trophies he’d won as manager before the club switched from Loakes Park in 1990 to the new ground of Adams Park - a move he’d pioneered. (Image: Wycombe Wanderers)

A month later Brian resigned because of the pressure of work at Bisham.

But he agreed to stay on until his great friend Ted Powell was able to take over the hot seat in July 1976.

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A generation of great players would remember Lee forever.

Although leaving the manager’s hot seat to concentrate on his Bisham job and family life, the club were keen to tap into Brian’s deep knowledge of the game.

He was appointed a Wycombe Director, and in 1981 he moved up to become Chairman in a turbulent time as football moved away from its amateur status.

Always looking ahead, he persuaded Ivor Beeks to succeed him seven years later.

That enabled Brian to concentrate on his next big project – the move from Loakes Park, their home for 95 years, to Adams Park. Despite a lot of setbacks, the new stadium was opened in July 1990.

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Having achieved the move to Adams Park Brian helped appoint Martin O’Neill to his old manager’s seat.

Under the chairmanship of Ivor Beeks, the trio saw another golden era for the club – two FA Trophy wins at Wembley, promotion to the Football League then Play-Off success over Preston. 

New challenges

His work at Wycombe done, the next Lee challenge came when he retired after 20 years at Bisham Abbey and took charge of a golf complex in Dorset.

Noticing the opportunity, the GM Vauxhall Conference also called on his expertise and he served as Vice-Chair in 1991 before his elevation to Chairman in 2007.

After eight successful years, Brian became President under its new name of the National League.

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His astute leadership qualities led to him being the founder of the very influential community scheme operating under the flagship of The Football Conference Trust, engaging support from both the Premier League and the Professional Footballers Association in its aims and objectives.

A magistrate for over 20 years, it was his outstanding services to football that were honoured with a National Game Award in 2009, an invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and the award of the MBE.

He was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by the League Manager’s Association & delighted to receive this from Martin O’Neill.

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Brian was also overjoyed when Wycombe Ex-Players Association made him their first managerial Life Member before inviting him to become a revered member of their Committee.

Despite all his activities, Brian did have time for an equally hectic family life. Sons Tim & Bryn spent their childhoods living at Bisham Abbey.

The Lee clan grew over the years with five grandchildren and an ever-increasing number of great-grandchildren.

They enjoyed many happy times together.

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A keen golfer, Brian always confirmed that behind every successful man is an even more astute woman.

Alongside him at every sporting and social event, or a match each week, was his wife Shirley-Ann.

Bucks Free Press: Brian Lee with his wife, Shirley-AnnBrian Lee with his wife, Shirley-Ann (Image: Wycombe Wanderers)

She was his prop for over 65 years until her sad death in January this year – and Brian passed away on February 12 just two weeks after her funeral.

His funeral was on March 16, which was followed by a Celebration of his life at Adams Park.   

Thanks to Wycombe Ex-Players Association, and particularly John D Taylor, who produced a programme-style Order of Service for Brian Lee’s funeral upon which this article is based.