Cambridge United mourn first player to receive international honours
Brian Hart has died peacefully at home aged 84, surrounded by his family
Last updated 21st May 2025
Brian Hart, the first Cambridge United player to receive an England Youth cap, has died aged 84 after a recent period in care, surrounded by his family on Sunday 18 May.
Brian Hart made history in 1959 as the first Cambridge United player to be selected for England Youth, scoring in a 5–0 win over the Republic of Ireland at Anfield. His 10th-minute header helped secure the victory and he also assisted two more goals.
Born in Cambridge in 1941 and raised in Horningsea, Brian began playing football at Bottisham Village College. He joined United’s ground staff after catching the eye of manager Bert Johnson and went on to play a key role in the club’s successful 1958–59 youth team. That team lost only once all season – in the FA Youth Cup – and scored more than 300 goals across all competitions.
As well as his England Youth selection, Brian also represented Cambridgeshire in the FA County Youth Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, where he faced future England manager Terry Venables.
"To be picked for England while still at a non-League club was unheard of at the time," a club spokesperson said. "Brian’s achievement was a major milestone for Cambridge United."
He made his United first-team debut in October 1958 during an East Anglian Cup tie against Norwich City, which was abandoned due to fog. He featured again in the rearranged fixture the following March.
After trialling with West Ham United and Leicester City, he signed professionally with West Bromwich Albion in 1959 at age 18. He spent three years at the club, marrying his wife Sheila in 1962, before moving to Nuneaton Borough, where he became their top scorer with 23 goals in the 1962–63 season.
In 1965, Brian returned to Cambridge, joining Cambridge City. He scored twice in their Fenland Cup win that year and went on to score 14 goals in 62 games for the club before moving to Wellington Town, later renamed Telford United. There, he played in two FA Trophy finals at Wembley, lifting the trophy in 1971 after a 3–2 victory over Hillingdon Borough.
Brian spent his final days in a care home and died peacefully with family present. His wife Sheila passed away in 2018. He is survived by a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren.