Bill Ashurst RIP

[Old Frightful]

Really sad news about a terrific player who starred for both  Wigan and Wakefield over here. having been born just outside Wigan. He also starred for Penrith over in Oz.

I remember him as a great back rower for Wakey in the late 70's and early 80's.

He had recently come out of hospital having been ill for a while I understand.

Condolences to his family and all who knew him.

[Davo5]

Sad news,a real character & a wonderful player,RIP Bill.

[Wollo Wollo Wayoo]

One of the greatest players of his time and still able to turn it on at the latter end of his career at Wakefield.  Always remember him getting sent off during a televised Wigan v Bradford game (if I remember rightly) after flattening anyone who dare come within arms length.  Not long after that incident we signed him for a club record of £18k.  Happy days but sad time now.  RIP.

[Forever Trinity]

Top fella he lived in Crofton when he played for Wakey, had a few beers with him in the #### and Crown he was a real character RIP Bill great to watch you at BV.

[Alan Robertson]

A legend of the game, RIP Bill.

[Padge]

Sad news, one of the best I have seen play the game. A real character (in the nicest way).

Had us in stitches at his book launch.

R.I.P. Bill, condolences to all his family and friends.

[sentoffagain2]

   Agree with above comments Bill was a very good back row forward.RIP.

[JonM]

I remember him mainly as the coach at Runcorn, will never forget him coming out of retirement for the cup game against Wigan and getting sent off.

[Alan Robertson]

17 minutes ago, JonM said:

I remember him mainly as the coach at Runcorn, will never forget him coming out of retirement for the cup game against Wigan and getting sent off.

I love stories of coaches/managers/ex-players coming out of retirement for 'one match only'...

[JohnM]

I was there. It was somewhat less than "one match only"

 

[chisholm]

Had the pleasure to be coached by Bill for many years, a top player, coach and most importantly a great friend.

RIP Mate , we will never forget you.

[koli]

I remember the buzz when he came back from Aus.Put a couple of ‘000 on the gate when he came to Knowsley Rd.

[Wollo Wollo Wayoo]

7 hours ago, Forever Trinity said:

Top fella he lived in Crofton when he played for Wakey, had a few beers with him in the #### and Crown he was a real character RIP Bill great to watch you at BV.

He did mention in his book that Wakefield provided him with a house on C o c k Lane in Crofton. 

[Agbrigg]

Fantastic player and way ahead of his time with his kicking game. Pity the 40/20 came muched later, that rule would have been tailor made for Bill.

RIP 

[Padge]

39 minutes ago, Agbrigg said:

Fantastic player and way ahead of his time with his kicking game. Pity the 40/20 came muched later, that rule would have been tailor made for Bill.

RIP 

He actually said if it was around when he played the opposition would never get out of their own half.

Mate watched him training lads at Rose Bridge on a muddy pitch wearing wellies and kicking 40/20s for fun. He was in his sixties.

[Harry Stottle]

1 hour ago, Padge said:

He actually said if it was around when he played the opposition would never get out of their own half.

Mate watched him training lads at Rose Bridge on a muddy pitch wearing wellies and kicking 40/20s for fun. He was in his sixties.

I remember him coaching at Rose Bridge it was the time "he found god" for such a larger than life character who didn't mind breaking many rules, it was quite amusing to hear him shouting from the touchlines at his charges with nothing stronger than "Oh fippin heck" or "Good Grief"

[Pie tries]

RIP Bill.

[Father Ted]

RIP Bill.

One of the best, if not the best, second row forwards to play Rugby League. Size, pace, handling and kicking skills and could mix it with anyone. Will always be on my "All time great Wigan RL 13".

Sad news.

[StandOffHalf]

Lovely tribute article from Roy Masters - who coached him in 1974 - in the SMH:

Panthers legend Ashurst the best footballer no-one knew about (smh.com.au)