I'm so pleased I can say I knew you Selwyn

Last updated : 25 September 2011 By Tony Scholes
Selwyn at his 50th birthday party with Rocky

Some become firm friends, others acquaintances and some you just recognise having seen at a number of grounds over the years. Some are better known than others, and yesterday we learned of the sad death of one of those better known supporters.

The name Derek Colclough might not mean too much to Burnley supporters. Derek was always better known as Selwyn and just about every supporter who has travelled watching the Clarets over the past 30 years or so will have known him or known of him.

Selwyn has been ill for some time, and for almost a year those close to him have known the extent of the illness. He was initially diagnosed with throat cancer but unfortunately treatment proved unsuccessful.

He accepted the bad news and just carried on doing what he enjoyed doing - going to watch Burnley Football Club. He was at Peterborough just a week ago despite looking desperately poorly. He was admitted to hospital last Monday and was forced to miss the cup tie but was looking forward to yesterday's game against Southampton having been released from hospital on Friday.

Sadly, the news came yesterday morning that he'd passed away at the age of 50.

I knew Selwyn; I knew him well, and I've watched on in admiration at his sheer bravery in these last few months as he's soldiered on and won himself a few extra weeks and months to watch his beloved Clarets.

It goes without saying that he'll be missed and the tributes on this message board say everything about him.

My thoughts, and I'm sure those of many, are now with his friends and family at this very sad time.

I'm so pleased I can say I knew you Selwyn.