Background
Born in Troon, Brown was born the youngest of four brothers, three of whom played professionally.
Born in Troon, Brown was born the youngest of four brothers, three of whom played professionally.
He was also a Commando during World World War World War II
Each of the brothers apparently left school at a young age to become apprentice riveters at Troon Shipyard. While working as a riveter, Brown also began his football career with Cumnock Juniors before moving to Glenafton Athletic at nearby New Cumnock in June 1938. In October 1938, Glenafton Athletic transferred Brown to Ipswich Town.
Despite Brown being am amateur Ipswich sent Glenafton a "handsome cheque".
At the time, Brown’s oldest brother Jim, who had recently retired from Clyde F.C., was an outspoken union activist. However, Jim’s union activities led to the Troon Shipyard management removing the brothers’ draft exemptions.
To avoid the draft, John joined the Navy and Tom became a Commando. Their brother Jim was found to be physically exempt from military service due to punctured eardrums.
In 1946, Tom returned to Ipswich Town, seeing time in only one first team game.
However, he gained the starting position during the 1947–1948 season and held that until 1950. During the 1950–1951 season, he played only three first team games and in August 1951, Brown left Ipswich and moved to Bury Town where he finished his career.
The four brothers were exempt from the draft as members of an essential war time industry.