<p>It is with great sadness that we learn today of the passing of Derik Brooks aged 94.</p>
<p>On May 22nd 1946 Derik met with a group of friends in a public house in Swaythling and Swaythling Athletic were born with Derik Brooks as the founder.</p>
<p>Derik played 7 games for the team before his playing career was cut short by injury. Over the decades the club rose through the leagues, moving into our current ten acres site in 1957 and becoming Eastleigh FC in 1980.</p>
<p>Derik's enthusiasm for the club has remained constant over an astonishing 72 years as he has taken on roles such as club secretary, treasurer, general secretary as well as many other roles. In the 2000s he became life president of Eastleigh FC and honorary life president of The Spitfire Supporters Club.</p>
<p>The above words barely scratch the surface - put simply without Derik, there would be no Eastleigh Football Club. The longevity and depth of his commitment to one football club are virtually unprecedented at all levels of football.</p>
<p>On Saturday with our game against Hartlepool we shall remember Derik, as the flag reads "Forever Thankful One Derik Brooks".</p>