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Wire legend Parry Gordon has died

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By on  Wolves


WARRINGTON Wolves’ legend Parry Gordon has died suddenly at the age of 64.
The former scrum-half who was a member of Alex Murphy’s all conquering 1973-74 team is believed to have suffered a heart attack last night.
His sudden death has rocked former team mates and members of the Past Players Association.
Chairman George Thornton said he had been stunned by the news.
“I am totally shocked. He is a true Warrington and Rugby League legend and was my hero, someone I looked up to.
“You couldn’t wish to miss a nicer person and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Parry had been with his former team mates at Warrington’s Wembley triumph in August as member of the Past Players from the 1974-75 final who were on parade before the kick off.
Signed on his 16th birthday for £400 in 1963, he was coach Cec Mountford’s last signing would prove great value for money.
At 5ft 6in and 11st 8lbs Parry Gordon plied his trade in an era of many top scrum-halves. He was dubbed “Mr Loyalty” playing for just the one club making 543 appearances between 1963-1981.
He made his first team debut, at home to Barrow, a 12-25 defeat in a Western Championship game, and always gave of his best, much to the pleasure of the Wilderspool faithful throughout the lean spell of the Sixties.
Things changed when Ossie Davies took over, and brought in coach Alex Murphy. Parry deservedly was to taste success as Warrington went on to win four trophies in the memorable 1973/74 season, the Captain Morgan, Players No6, Challenge Cup and Club Championship. In 1978 he led his team to a win over Widnes in the John Player’s Trophy final.
He however, never won a full international cap. The nearest he got was coming on as a substitute in Papua New Guinea with the England World Cup squad in 1975. He played seven times for Lancashire, scoring one try, and once for the Great Britain under 24s.
His final game, helping out his club as usual, was a home win 14-7 against Castleford. Parry Gordon had given 20 years’ service to the club, his appearance total being second only to Brian Bevan.
Pictures show Parry Gordon (front row third from right) with his former team mates at Wembley and collecting his Hall of Fame certificate three years ago.
Tributes can be left in the comments section below.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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13 Comments

  1. G S on

    RIP Parry Gordon – a true Warrington (Wire) legend.

    You were my first Rugby League hero and I can still remember seeing your muddy marvels defeat Widnes in the John Player Trophy in 1978 – my first experience of seeing Warrington lift silverware.

    You will be sadly missed by all those who knew you.

    Reply
  2. Eric Caddy on

    Thank you Parry. You were the most underated player in the game. If it had not been for St Helen’s Bishop, you would have been the regular GB scrum-half. A great guy. R.I.P

    Reply
  3. Steven Broomhead on

    “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Parry Gordon who gave great service to Warrington Wolves in his playing career. Parry was a player who remained at the heart of the Club as a member of the Past Players Association. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Parry will be sadly missed.”

    Steven Broomhead

    Chairman

    Warrington Wolves

    Reply
  6. Andy Gill on

    Lived 100 yards away from him for 35 years in Wigan. A wonderfull fella who had time for everyone. The second tragedy to hit the family. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  10. fred martindale on

    parry was a very modest man,a brilliant rugby player ,a devoted family man,a man who shyed away from limelight but was so successful at rugby it wasnt at all possible .parry was a tremendous person to know very easy to comunicate with,no matter what subject ,he treated everybody with the same affection .i have been very lucky he was my mate for many years to mention .he was my hero as well as a mate .so to a brilliant number 7 r.i.p.in heaven. fred wigan

    Reply
  11. jeff millington on

    i had the pleasure of meeting Parry many times,what an oustanding rugby player and man…a true gent who will be missed by all who ever met him…they really dont make ’em like him any more.

    Reply

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