Glen Wilson had the unique distinction of leading Albion into the Second Division for the first time.

It was the highlight of a playing career that could, and should, have gone further but for his reluctance to leave the Goldstone.

Albion's brave and resolute captain, who led by selfless example, stayed rather than try his luck with either Arsenal or Aston Villa who had expressed interest when they ruled the roost nearly 50 years ago.

It was in his adopted home of Brighton that Glen died on Tuesday following a heart attack aged 76.

Ironically, the club he served in so many ways for most of his adult life, treated him shabbily.

When, six years ago, Glen and I turned the clock back, he recalled wistfully: "After 34 years as part of the club, I was sacked in 15 seconds. The directors were more worried about me handing in the keys than anything else."

After 436 appearances, placing Glen sixth in Albion's all-time list, he went on to do the backroom jobs of coach, trainer, physio and kitman.

So what price loyalty after a lifetime of dedicated service?

Not a lot when measured in terms of a £7,000 redundancy payout, especially when remembering he spent about half that in legal fees.

From his League debut in September, 1949, after being spotted in the Army and guesting for Farnham Town, Glen brought his whiplash tackle and stamina in midfield to various Albion sides until bowing out in April, 1960.

His captaincy spanned the best part of three seasons and for as many campaigns he was an ever-present.

Hard as nails, he was a virtual stranger to the treatment room.

A miner's son from High Spen, Glen was used to a harsh upbringing and made the most of his chances when signing for Don Welsh on demob.

In all, Glen played under 12 managers and was a player-manager himself for two years at Exeter City.

Returning to Brighton, Glen and wife Joan took over the Flying Dutchman in Elm Grove but the lure of football was too great and he returned to the Goldstone or some might say his old stamping ground.