LIONS OBITUARY: ALAN TAYLOR

29 June 2020

Former Swinton captain and half-back Alan Taylor has died after a long illness.

We are deeply saddened to learn that the former Swinton captain and half-back, Alan Taylor, has died following a long illness. 

A Widnesian, Alan represented Widnes RUFC before joining the professional ranks at Wigan. It was from Central Park that Alan came to Station Road at the insistence of the then Swinton coach, Frank Myler.

Alan was instantly elevated to captain, and it was from the position of stand-off that his leadership skills became an inspiration. He made his Swinton debut on 27 January 1980 at Station Road against Featherstone, and became an integral cog in the 1980/81 team which confounded pre-season predictions and came close to promotion. 

Perhaps Alan’s most memorable achievement as a “Lion” were as skipper for the home and away league victories over Wigan during the 1980/81 campaign.

Alan’s last game in Swinton colours came on 19 April 1981 in a draw against Hunslet, when had the day’s results gone Swinton’s way, they would have been promoted. In all Alan played 34 times for the Lions and scored 7 tries. 

Alan was a model professional and leader of men, and it perhaps came as no surprise when Frank Myler took Alan with him when he left Station Road for Oldham in May 1981.

Our thoughts and condolences go to Alan’s wife Colleen, and all of Alan’s family and friends, at this sad time.