Tributes to top netball coach

SADLY missed: Mike Greenwood with his late wife, Pat

Inspirational club founder Mike hailed as ‘legend’
TRIBUTES have flooded in for Oldham Netball Club founder Mike Greenwood, who died on Saturday after a long battle with illness.

The universally popular 64-year-old established the club a quarter-of-a-century ago at the end of a successful 22-year Army career, and guided the juniors to a record 40 titles.

Mr Greenwood led the senior team through five divisions of the National League, and thanks to his hard work and dedication it is now a force to be reckoned with in the National Premier League Division One.

He took the helm at Fiat Super League outfit Northern Thunder in 2008 and, despite losing his wife Pat to cancer, battled on to transform them from a bottom-of-the-league side to runners-up within three years.

Mr Greenwood was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in 2004 when he made history as the first man to coach an England netball team after becoming coach of the national team’s under-19 side as well as apprentice coach of the England senior team.

His impact on the sport was felt far and wide — he also coached England at under-17s.

His son, Mike Junior, said: “My dad was a loyal son, husband, father and grandfather who sadly never fully recovered from the loss of his entire world, Pat, in 2008.

“He was an inspirational character, goodness knows how many girls in Oldham had their lives changed for the better by the bond they shared on the netball court.

“Even during his early days in the Army he realised he could coach. He trained boxers who were always losing and gave them the belief to go and win. After leaving as a Sergeant Major, and serving in Libya, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, he translated his skills to netball and never looked back. It was his ability to give people that extra 10 per cent and the ability to believe in themselves that people will remember.

“I am ever so proud to be his son.”

Oldham Netball Club coach Debbie Hallas, who began running the seniors when Mr Greenwood became ill, held a huddled minute’s silence in his honour at the end of yesterday’s 50-42 defeat at Bath.

She said: “News of Mike’s passing is absolutely devastating to everyone connected to the club, but the players faced Bath because it is what Mike would have wanted.

“We all came together in a circle after the match and paid our respects, although in the near future I am sure we can do something else to show how much he meant to us.

“I knew Mike for more than 24 years and was part of his very first junior team. I would not be the coach or person I am today if it was not for him.

“It was an absolute pleasure to play for and then later on coach with him. He was like a father figure to me.”

Northern Thunder coach Suzy Chapman, who was also coached by Mr Greenwood, said he was one of a kind.

She added: “Mike was an inspirational mentor and he will be sadly missed.

“It was an honour to work alongside him — he was so supportive and knowledgeable.

“Someone said on Facebook that the word ‘legend’ is thrown around a lot these days but it really did apply to Mike, and I think that sums up perfectly how everyone feels.

“I cannot think of a better way to honour Mike than to continue his legacy. We will all do our level best to be successful and do him proud.”

Mr Greenwood, who died in the Oldham Royal Hospital surrounded by loved ones, is survived by sons Barry and Mike Junior and his mother, May.