Wigan Album

what a great photo
no sponsored coloured striped boots then!
look at the shorts – could do with an iron
but most of all look at the physique – no pumped up boddies, broad shoulders or bulging biceps because they relied on their skill!
Spot Blan, Banks & Harry Atkinson (who used to go in Morris Street club)

and is that Barton in middle?

Left to right, George Banks (a Yorkshire man), Billy Blan (a Wiganer) , Frank Barton (a Wiganer), Harry Atkinson (?) and Eddie Watkins (a Welshman).

George Banks was a Yorkshireman a remnant of A trio signed from Dewsbury along with Target and Golby ?? before the war.
10 years or so before this photo No one ever knew how old he was,a solid prop forward, he must have been fit, he was noted for always being first off the field after a match when he would run , not only off the field but then to the station to catch a train to Yorkshire

George Banks was as said A yorkshirman so was Billy Blan(Born There) Frank Barton was a Wiganer as was Harry Atkinson and both went on to play for Barrow Eddy Watkins was a Welshman and went on to play for Belle Vue Rangers

George Banks was let's say was "cagey" about his age. As we all know the career of a professional sportsman is relatively short and anything that can be done to lengthen it a little would be welcome - so George didn't hold back. The story is that when he noticed greying side locks he dyed them, making him appear a trifle younger perhaps than he was - a good career move. Unfortunately during one particular match there was a very heavy downpour and George was seen to leave the field with what appeared to be "mascara" running down his face. George was a very good prop forward in those days when scrums were real contests for possession of the ball.