Ex-Saints player dies aged 100 (From St Helens Star)

Ex-Saints player dies aged 100

6:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

A MAN who was believed to be Saints’ oldest surviving player has died at the age of 100.

John Nolan, pictured, a cornerstone of the club’s A Team in the early 1930s and a team-mate of Knowsley Road greats of yesteryear, died earlier this year.

He was resident at the Parr Nursing home, where a party was held to mark his landmark birthday on June 16 this year.

Alex Service, Saints’ historian, said: “As far as we know, he was the first (Saints) player to reach 100.

“John played regularly in the A Team in the early 1930s and was a team-mate of many greats, such as Walter Groves and Les Fairclough.

“He was a full-back, who also turned out in the second-row. Tall and well-built, he also captained the team on many occasions.

“Despite his advancing years, John was always prepared to talk about the oval ball game – especially about his hero, Alf Ellaby. We send our sincere condolences to his family.”

John’s working life saw him employed at Stoves in Rainhill, selling gas cookers. He also worked in the stores at Burtonwood air base.

He was married to Elsie, who passed away several years ago, for more than 60 years. They have three children, Frank, John and daughter Pat.