Former Brentford chairman, who first proposed promotion play-offs, dies aged 71

Martin Lange has passed away following a long illness

Brentford FC
1943-2015: Martin Lange

Brentford have announced former club chairman Martin Lange died on Monday at the age of 71, following a long illness.

Lange owned the majority shareholding in the football club between 1981 and 1997.

During his time at the helm of Brentford, the former chairman tore down the famous Royal Oak stand and replaced it with Brook Road in a bid to keep the club afloat.

However, his impact on football in general is more widely known.

He proposed the idea of the end of season play-offs, which have now become the real end of the season and provide excitement and drama up until the end of May. Despite proposing them, Brentford are yet to taste success in eight attempts, most recently losing to Middlesbrough in May.

He also was inspired by American Football in having individual squad names and numbers, which have become associated with certain players.

Lange was chairman between 1981 and 1992 before standing down. He remained on the club's board of directors until 2002.

The ex-chairman also possessed the 'golden share' on Griffin Park, which is now in the hands of supporters' trust Bees United.

 

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