Harry Leyland never played a game of rugby in his life and yet he is revered in a corner of the Wirral at Hartsfield, home of New Brighton Football Club (RU). Three years after his death at 76 shortly before Christmas 2006, they named the 400-seater stand in his memory.
Of all the anecdotes about Leyland’s devotion to a community rugby club justifiably proud of its capacity for fielding as many as 16 teams every Saturday pre-pandemic, one stands out. It revolves round the late Jack Walker, the steel baron whose millions made Blackburn champions of the third Premier League season, 1994-95.
Shortly thereafter, Walker thought it would be nice to invite some of the club’s more distinguished past players back to Ewood Park for a special occasion. According to one of Leyland’s bosom rugby pals at New Brighton, Joe Pinnington, the conversation went like this:
“Harry, it’s Jack Walker. I’d love you to come to the match next week as one of my special guests. Be great if you could make it.’’
“That’s very kind of you, Jack. Sounds great. Who are you playing?’’
“Manchester United.’’
“Jack that’s the game of the season. Is it on Saturday or Sunday?’’
“Saturday, Harry.’’
“I’m very sorry, Jack but I’ve got a prior engagement that day. I really can’t let the lads down.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 21, 2021-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 21, 2021-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
