By now all Brentford supporters will surely have heard the news about Peter Gilham. With the first team on their training camp in France, Peter used the medium of his traditional tour diary over the weekend to share some extremely personal news:
“However as is synonymous with men of my advanced years, PC has reared its ugly head (and I don`t mean political correctness or indeed the local constable) and to help me combat it, I have enlisted a lovely hardworking team of people who know how to go about it. So, daily visits to see them means that I can’t be in two places at once”.
Anybody with even half an interest in Brentford football club knows Peter. They know how much he has done in the past and how much he continues to do now. How personable, friendly and helpful he is but most of all just how much he is Mr. Brentford. Football’s longest serving ‘man with the mic’, there isn’t a role he hasn’t performed or a supporter whose match day experience hasn’t been enriched by Peter.
Peter doing what he does best
Every game that goes by features a Peter moment. Whether the customary pre-match high-five with Buzz and Buzzette or those wonderful goal celebrations sponsored by Siracusa. Only a man of Peter’s talents is able to turn what could be cheese into pure gold. Who doesn’t love his proclamation that, “It’s a little Italian restaurant. At Brentford Lock”. The more goals we score, the more excited the announcement becomes.
From time to time he’ll burst into a snatch of ‘Hey, Jude’ before a particularly crunch match/second half. There’s the deadpan commentary to centre-circle challenge whilst, of course, nothing has quite the same ring as his exhorting Brrrennttttt-ffffoooorddd !!!.”
We all love him. And that’s just the fans. Players, staff and former Bees were lining up to wish him well yesterday. Everybody from Harlee to Jota; Sam Saunders to Mark Warburton and beyond. If any proof were needed (it isn’t) about how universally loved Peter is and how a much a part of the fabric of this football club that Peter is, then here it was.
Just some of those – past and present – thinking of Peter
With his announcement made on Saturday, Sunday gave the impression of being BAU with another wonderful entry from the tour blog. All the squad and staff updates were provided, along with the the images of both Manny Onariase, Luke Daniels, Henrik Dalsgaard and Kamo Mokotjo singing ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls aswell as Kitman Bob Oteng being left open mouthed (Peter’s words) at Cycling’s Team Sky and their mobile laundry.
No doubt Peter will carry on doing what he does. We’ll love it and enjoy it. But that doesn’t mean we won’t stop thinking about him. Peter, get well soon. Please.
You are THE Man when it comes to Brentford FC and you have an entire club, an entire community and an entire footballing family behind you. There’s huge love and best wishes heading your way from yours truly, the supporters and all the players. If you were in any doubt, just sign yourself up to Twitter and take a look.
We’re all thinking of you. Get well soon. See you on August 12th.
Peter does his pre-match thing. More of the same against Nottingham Forest, please
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 
Like many Bees fans I send you my best wishes, I too was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer two years ago I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy and things are almost back to normal. One thing I have learnt is that we all react differently to the treatment and in the long run it will be worth it. Another tip is to try and exercise every day as soon as you can.
Paul D
Well said Nick.
The person that Bees fans will look forward to seeing most of all on the hallowed Griffin Park turf on August 12th will be Peter Gilham. Thats how highly regarded Bees fans, young or old, have for this man.
I have not had the pleasure of ever meeting PG, but his is a face, or if you are anywhere other than Braemar, voice, that has been part of our Griffin Park pilgrimages all of lives. Get well soon Mr Brentford.
Perfectly put Nick. Lots of people have the label of irreplaceable or indispensable attached to them – but Peter really is both!
Lovely piece and some very well said words …
We are privileged indeed to have a guy such as Peter in our club. Let us all hope and pray his treatment is completely successful and that he can continue with that microphone for many more years to come!
Lovely piece and some very well said words …
We are privileged indeed to have a guy such as Peter in our club. Let us all hope and pray his treatment is completely successful and that he can continue with that microphone for many more years to come!