In Memoriam: Alan Taylor
Wigan Warriors were saddened to hear of the passing of former player Alan Taylor earlier this week.
Alan was born on 24 November 1951 and played for Wigan between the 1973-74 and 1977-78 seasons. After signing from Widnes Rugby Union Club, he went on to make 71 appearances and score 14 tries whilst playing at scrum half or stand-off.
During his time at the Club, Alan played alongside some celebrated names not just for Wigan but names that graced the international scene with the likes of Stuart Wright, David Willcombe, Bill Ashurst, George Fairbairn, Dave Robinson, Bill Francis and Kurt Sorensen.
He made his Wigan debut on Wednesday 31 October 1973 under coach Graham Starkey – playing at stand-off against Warrington at Central Park in the Captain Morgan trophy, earning the Wigan Heritage Number of 708.
Alan played ten games in his initial season at Wigan, scoring his first try against Whitehaven on 16 March 1974 at Central Park in front of 2,693 spectators.
His final season at Wigan (1977-78) was not only his most successful in regard to first team appearances but probably saw his finest hour in a Cherry and White shirt when he played at stand-off in the Lancashire Cup Final defeat to Workington at Wilderspool, Warrington on Saturday 29 October 1977. Wigan lost a hard-fought game 13-16.
After leaving Wigan, Alan went on to play for Swinton and Oldham respectively.
The thoughts of everyone at Wigan Warriors are with Alan’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Stats provided by Club Historian, Keith Sutch.
