Oldham junior football 'legend' Roy Wrigley dies following brave cancer battle

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a hugely popular Royton man who will be sorely missed on the Oldham junior football scene and beyond.

Roy Wrigley, who was 75, died on December 28 following a brave battle with Mesothelioma, an unforgiving lung cancer condition.

A well-known and massively respected figure alongside local junior pitches over the past four decades, Roy initially got involved in football when his twin boys Michael and Marc started playing as youngsters in the late 1970s and early 80s.

Marc almost made it professionally as he went on to have spells with Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra, but it was those early days when the lads played at Castleton Gabriels FC when Roy first fell in love with coaching.

A plumber during the daytime, Roy and the family later moved from Castleton into Oldham, and he linked up with the famous Boundary Park Juniors club in 1990, initially supporting son Marc who had been playing for the team.

That association with BPJ continued for the rest of Roy's days, and he was chairman of the club for many years.

He coached with his grandson Joe, and was still coaching until May, 2022. 

His daughter Louise told the Chronicle: "My dad was a true family man, but loved football so much - all his grandchildren went on to play for Boundary Park Juniors.

"He was a proud man, who always took particular pride in helping develop the younger players at the club, the academy teams.

"He was always one to maintain the highest of standards.

"He wanted his players to show respect, have self-discipline, and 'just be the best you can be'. He always used to say that."

Roy was a father to Michael, Marc and Louise from his first marriage, while later step-dad to his second wife Carol's three children - Amy, Lewis and Niall.

Tributes have been flooding in since his passing.

Michael McAndrew posted on Facebook: "Very sad news to hear that my former football coach, friend and all round good man Roy passed away.

"Somebody who ignited my passion for football as a boy, developing me not just as a borderline average player but also as a person.

"He moved on to supporting me as a young coach, making my way in the game, where we became good friends.

"An honest, hardworking man who meant a lot to the many families who came through at Boundary Park Juniors over the years.

"Nobody loved BPJ more than him. If you didn’t know Roy Wrigley you never played football in and around Oldham/Manchester.

"He did SO much for young kids through junior football - a legend of the game. Rest in Peace Roy."

Andy Winters said: "Shocked to hear some devastating news that my old close friend and mentor Roy has sadly passed away.

"Thank you for everything you taught me as a player and coach.

"You gave thousands of kids your wise words and knowledge of the game, on and off the pitch."

Joanne Foy added: "You were a true inspiration to lots of kids and parents and BPJFC will be lost without you at the helm.

"Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time."

Debbie Hoult posted: "Totally saddened to hear about the passing of Roy Wrigley.

"We had such wonderful times with Roy on all of the football holidays and at the matches over many years.

"A true gent and always in our hearts. Thanks for everything."

Roy's funeral date has yet to be finalised.

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