Wigan Album

I know so very little about rugby it's untrue but I believe that Bill Ashurst is my dad's cousin - so my second cousin?

Also is Colin Clarke realated to Phil? They look very alike.

Phil Clarke is his son. He also played at Wigan in the early 1990s and is now a commentator/pundit on Skysports/rugby league TV.

Big Bill Ashurst, mine and the missus mate, he still lives in Ince round the corner from us, quote "became a born again christian whilst landlord of the anderton arms ,where he read the bible over the bar to trouble makers before taking them outside and knocking hell out of them. " haha he's such a modest guy now, thou you wouldn't mess with him :-)

Very interesting Moz: If it is the same one his Grandfather's name would be Andrew (pronounced Anderer by his gd's sister my grandmother)maybe if you see him you could check for me? I am compiling the family tree and struggling with this side of my family. If you do find anything and can be bothered I think you can get my email from Brian or Ron @wiganworld.co.uk Thanks in advance

also forgot to mention I did some work with Phil Clarke first at Central Park and then over at the JJB - I ran a Media Day for kids from schools where they made films about Wigan Warriors!

For Ian McL, not a problem, I often see Bill round Ince, having played for Rose Bridge for as long as I can remember, we're friends. I'll put your info to him and email you back!

Cheers Moz - much appreciated! I didn't realise you could include your email in the post - great! No need to bother Ron or Brian now!

Ian McL, it's not that clever mate, it comes up with just @wiganworld.co.uk on my computer, no details of your name, don't worry I'll go thru Bri :-)

I was at Penrith Panthers ground about 18 months ago and was taken round it by an ex player. Some time previously a group of five Panthers members of long standing had met and chosen a Panthers team of all time greats,all five members voted for Bill Ashurst,I think he was the only player that got all five members votes.There are now life size photos of all the thirteen players chosen,on the corridor walls leading to the changing rooms.

With total respect to all the great players we've had at Wigan, Bill Ashurst was the best I saw. An absolute natural genius.

True comments Roy and Walter, Bill is in Penrith's all time dream team. He's such an unassuming chap these days, I have much respect for him. Went to school with his son Billy. He still has alot of time for Rose Bridge rugby club, a perfect gent!

I bought a rugby shirt at an auction, several years ago. The shirt has no. 11 on the back and I wonder if you can name the players who played no. 11? I think it goes back to the 1970/1980's! he was one of the best players Wigan had!

played for Spring View School v Rose Bridge School loads of times Bill was a class player ,had future star stamped on him then .