John Martin 1945-2023

Wigan Warriors is sad to announce the passing of former Vice Chairman John Martin.

John joined the Board in 1992 and was a Board Member for many years and stayed on at the club after the takeover by Dave Whelan in 1997.

He was respected by everyone at the club for his efforts down the years including the difficult times in the mid 1990s.

John was also well known for his role as manager and licensee of the Riverside Club at Central Park right up to the closing of the ground in September 1999.

He was a brilliant entertainer and was well loved by the regulars to the Riverside Club down the years. Evenings at The Riverside are etched into the folklore of Wigan in that it was the place to be. John suffered ill health for many years but battled through it and was still working on the club circuit until recently.

John, 77, performed his final gig at Hindley Golf Club last Saturday.

He regularly attended games at the DW Stadium and was a guest on Good Friday to see Wigan Warriors defeat St Helens.

Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski, who was player at the club during John’s time at the club said: ”John is an iconic figure in the history of our Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club.

“He famously ran the Riverside Club at Central Park where Wiganers and people from around the North West travelled to party the night away.

“He continued to belt a tune out until the very end. The night I signed for Wigan in 1994, John was there in the boardroom, watching over my signature. We wish you eternal peace John.”