Popular broadcaster, Albion fan and Argus columnist Peter Brackley has died. He was 67 and had suffered recently from ill health.

Brackley began his media career with BBC Radio Brighton, where his claims to fame included being one of the first to interview Brian Clough when he took over as Albion boss.

He went on to commentate at a host of big matches and events for ITV and was perhaps best known as the voice of Channel 4’s much-loved coverage of Italian football in the 1990s.

Peter had a sharp sense of humour and many Albion fans will fondly recall the brilliant stage show he produced and presented at the Theatre Royal in celebration of the Goldstone Ground.

He had hoped to top even that with a follow-up show, though those plans were put on hold due to health concerns.

He was a regular in the media lounge and West Stand at the Amex until his health worsened.

As recently as ten days ago, Peter was joking with the Argus sport desk via email about being in a hospital ward with a Crystal Palace fans as he made arrangements to watch the win over West Ham on television.

He was also apologising for not producing his weekly column for these pages.

Albion, for whom Peter did voice-over work, were among the first to pay tribute.

The club’s chief executive Paul Barber said: “So many of us here at the club knew Peter well. He was a hugely talented, knowledgable, funny and, above all else, a good man. We will miss him. Our condolences go out to Peter’s family, including our colleague and his nephew Paul, and all of his many friends”.