Author rewarded for work on Brighton and Hove Albion's record scorer

Former Mid Sussex Times news editor Phil Dennett has won an award for two projects on Brighton & Hove Albion goal hero Tommy Cook.
Phil with his shield and trophy, awarded for his work on telling the story of Albion legend Tommy CookPhil with his shield and trophy, awarded for his work on telling the story of Albion legend Tommy Cook
Phil with his shield and trophy, awarded for his work on telling the story of Albion legend Tommy Cook

The Brighton & Hove Albion Heritage Society awarded Phil, 71, their 2020-21 Roger Harris memorial shield for promoting the heritage of the Albion.

Tim Carder of the society, who presented the shield, as well as a trophy to keep, said it was for Phil’s work on his recently published book Tommy Cook: The Double Life of a Superstar Sportsman – and for organising a memorial stone laid on Tommy’s grave at Cuckfield, where the legendary player lived, last November.

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Phil, from Burgess Hill, whose grandfather John played for Albion in the early 1900s, said: “I was asked to attend at Tommy’s grave and had no idea what it was all about.

“To say it was a huge surprise and delight is an under-statement.

“I am grateful to the society for its recognition of the work I put in during a difficult time for us all.

“I dedicate the award to Tommy and all those terrific people who helped me with both projects. I could not have achieved anything without them.”

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Tommy Cook was born in Cuckfield in 1901 and went on to become Albion’s top scorer, a record he still holds, and he scored more than 20,000 runs for Sussex. The book on his life, price £15, may be ordered from Albion and Sussex Cricket Museum or via Phil on [email protected]