Stalwart Sam dies at 87

SAM Molineux

SAM Molineux, a former player and past president of Oldham Rugby Union Football Club, has died at the age of 87.

He was an ever-present at the club for more than 70 years, filling many roles. Sam, from Failsworth, witnessed many changes over the decades, including the club’s move from Keb Lane to Manor Park.

His first taste of the union game was in the winter of 1942 - and he wasn’t impressed.

“The match was played on a cold, wet day, which made for a dour affair,” he wrote in the club’s

centenary book,

But he still attended the summer training camp that June, and was put on the right wing three months later for his first match against Broughton Park. He played for two years until he joined the RAF in 1944 - though he still turned out when on leave. He was captain of the ‘A’ team from 1955 to 1959.

Towards the end of his playing days he ran the Colts team.

Phil Larder, who went on to become England’s defence coach, and Ian McCorquodale, Oldham’s director of coaching, were two of the youngsters under his wing.

After hanging up his boots, he held many positions behind the scenes, from social secretary, to local sports council representative and bar secretary. Sam was also club chairman for three years and later president for two years from 1992.

Club official Steve Fox said: “He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club — young and old.”