John Sheridan (rugby league)

John Sheridan
Personal information
Born 24 November 1933
Pontefract, England
Died 13 November 2012 (aged 78)[1]
Dewsbury, England
Playing information
Height 6 ft (183 cm)
Weight 15 st 0 lb (95.3 kg; 210.0 lb)
Position Centre, Loose forward/Lock
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1955–66 Castleford 301 86 2 1 264
Coaching information
Club
Years Team Gms W D L W%
18 Aug 1972–2 May 73 Castleford 44 30 0 14 68
1984–89 Doncaster
Total 44 30 0 14 68
Source: rugbyleagueproject.org

John Sheridan (24 November 1933 – 13 November 2012) was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s, and coach of the 1970s and '80s, playing at club level for Castleford (captain),[2] as a Centre, or Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 3 or 4, or 13. This was during the era of contested scrums. He went on to coach at club level for Castleford, Leeds and Doncaster.[3]

Honoured at Castleford Tigers

Sheridan was a Tigers Hall Of Fame Inductee.[4] He joined Castleford Tigers from local side Castleford Lock Lane, choosing his home town club over Leeds outfit Hunslet.

During the early part of his career he was a strong running centre who regularly topped the clubs try scoring lists. After the 1958/59 season John moved into the pack and took up the loose forward role. He was named captain as the club began to climb the league table in the early 1960s. Injuries took a toll and he moved into coaching. From 1964–82, Sheridan was "A" team coach at Castleford, winning nine Yorkshire Senior Championships and six Yorkshire Senior Cups. John took charge of the Tigers first team for the 1973 season and then spent the following year at arch rivals Leeds Rhinos before returning to Wheldon Road. He returned to coaching at Doncaster RLFC and turned the club around. He was voted the most influential person in the clubs history by the Dons fans.

Background

Sheridan was born in Pontefract,[5] of Irish and English parentage, and grew up in the Wheldon Lane area of Castleford in a large Catholic family. As part of his National Service he joined the Royal Air Force for two years, mainly working as a bar man in the officers mess and playing Rugby Union. Once back in Castleford he signed for the Tigers and also worked in industry alongside his rugby career.

Personal life

His marriage to Hilda Hunter (birth registered during April→June 1934 in Pontefract district) was registered in October→December 1957 in Pontefract district[6] The couple had two daughters; Gail M. Sheridan (birth registered during January→March 1959 in Pontefract district), and Ann.

References

  1. ↑ Hossack, Steve. "Former Doncaster Dons boss John Sheridan will be missed". Beverley Guardian. Retrieved 2012-11-14.
  2. ↑ "Player statistics at thecastlefordtigers.co.uk". thecastlefordtigers.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  3. ↑ "Coach statistics at thecastlefordtigers.co.uk". thecastlefordtigers.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  4. ↑ "Hall of Fame at castigers.com". castigers. 31 December 2008. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
  5. ↑ "Birth details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Marriage details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.

External links