John Frederick Brindley CB, 1937–2026

:

The Hockey Museum » Obituaries » John Frederick Brindley CB, 1937–2026

John Frederick Brindley CB, 1937–2026

September 18, 2026

Black-and-white photograph of a hockey player standing outdoors and holding a field hockey stick diagonally across the body. The player is wearing a short-sleeved quartered sports shirt and matching shorts. Behind the player are brick buildings with windows and a paved area leading to a doorway.

25.09.1937–31.08.2026

John Frederick Brindley, better known as Fred in hockey circles, passed away on 31 August 2026.

His working life was spent in the Court Service, which he joined at the age of 17. He stayed in the Service for 47 years, eventually finishing as Under Secretary of State in the Lord Chancellor’s Office. He was awarded the CB (Companions of the Order of the Bath) in 1996.

Fred played cricket at the top level of the Midlands League, but it was at hockey that he became best known. He played for Staffordshire Schoolboys, before joining Leek Hockey Club in 1958. He played for Staffordshire from 1958 and was in the team when they won the County Championship in 1971. He also played for the Midlands, and The Phantoms, for many years. He later moved to Wombourne Hockey Club and was in the side when they became Midlands Champions in 1973.

Black-and-white team photograph showing eleven male hockey players arranged in two rows. Six are standing behind and four are crouching at the front, with two additional people standing at either end of the group in suits. A large banner in the foreground reads “H.A. County Championship” and includes a rose emblem and a list of previous county winners.

The Staffordshire County men’s side celebrates winning the Hockey Association County Championship. They pose with the County Championship flag which was effectively the tournament trophy. The flag is in the collection of The Hockey Museum.

When his employment took him to London, he joined Slough Hockey Club who had recently joined the London League. He played in the First XI and was in the team when they won their first major title, the London League, in 1976. As Slough then proceed to win championships, Fred agreed to become coach to the First XI. The rest is history. Under his guidance Slough won four London League titles, four Inter-League titles and four National Championships. They also won numerous indoor hockey titles, including National Championships. The crowning glory came when they became European Club Champions in 1980. He also coached Buckinghamshire to two County Championships.

Despite his remarkable achievements in work and sport, Fred will be remembered as a quiet, unassuming man with a great sense of humour. His humour shines through in his auto-biography, Sport Mainly, copies of which are held in the library of The Hockey Museum.

He will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.

The Slough Hockey Club First Team squad, winners of the National Club Championship 1979. Fred Brindley is stood furthest left with red hair and beard.