Paul Shrubb

Paul Shrubb (1 August 195528 May 2020) was an English professional footballer, coach and scout who made 350 appearances as a player in the Football League, most notably for Brentford and Aldershot. He later returned to Aldershot as assistant manager and coached at a number of non-League clubs.

Playing career Fulham Shrubb began his career in the youth system at Second Division club Fulham and signed his first professional contract in 1972. He made his debut during the 1972–73 season, which would be his only appearance before his departure in 1975. The high point of his time with the club was reaching the final of the 1976 NFL Cup, which was lost to Cape Town City.

Brentford Shrubb returned to England and joined Fourth Division club Brentford in March 1977. He departed the Bees in August 1982, having made 198 appearances and scored eight goals during his five years with the club. He made 202 appearances and scored six goals during a five-season spell and departed after the Shots' success in the 1987 Fourth Division play-off final. He put his skills as a utility player to good use, wearing every single shirt number (1–11) during his time with the club. He made 31 appearances before retiring in January 1995. Shrubb was awarded a testimonial versus Charlton Athletic on 1 August 2007, in recognition of his service to the club.

Management and coaching career Between 1987 and 1992, Shrubb held player-coach roles with Woking, Dorking, Leatherhead, Fleet Town and Cove. He was offered the job on a permanent basis but turned it down, citing work commitments. After his retirement from playing, Shrubb served as Steve Wigley's assistant, before departing the Recreation Ground for the final time in 1997.

Scouting career Shrubb served as a scout at Charlton Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and AFC Wimbledon. While with Plymouth Argyle, he worked alongside former Aldershot teammate Andy King.

Personal life Shrubb lived in Aldershot and ran his own window cleaning business. As of 2014, he was living in Ash, Surrey. Shrubb was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in January 2006 and was given two years to live by doctors. The condition forced him to give up full-time work in 2009.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Fulham 1972–73 Second Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

1976–77 Isthmian League Second Division third-place promotion: 1993–94 Isthmian League Third Division: 1992–93