Alan Liptrot

Taken from the Wigan Athletic Memories Facebook page…..

Former Supporters Club chairman passes away.

All at Wigan Athletic Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Wigan Athletic Supporters Club chairman, Alan Liptrot.

As a mark of respect and to remember Alan, the following are the words of Mick Wimsey, Vice-Chairman Wigan Athletic Supporters Club.
Alan Liptrot, former chairman and friend of Wigan Athletic Supporters Club, has passed away.

For the people who knew Alan and for the people who were unlucky not to meet our former Chairman from Springfield Park, we would like to pay a small tribute to our friend.

Alan loved Wigan Athletic Football Club, he would stand at the door entrance at the club and greet people normally with “how do” but if he wasn’t sure of a name or a face a pleasant hello would always be said.

During opening hours before a game, he would pass the time with Joe Mills at the end of the room near the secretary’s office or with myself, Joe, Chris Coffey and sometimes Jeff Rourke (if he could get over his pre match nerves). Would sell raffle tickets and take bookings for away travel.

Alan always represented the club by wearing his blue football suit on match days, if you were to see him outside in the real world Alan was usually covered in white gloss or magnolia, his trade being a painter and decorator.

Just before the kick off (usually 20 minutes or so) either Alan or Joe would announce on the microphone “there are queues forming at the turnstiles” this was normally Terry Knowles turnstile due to him talking team tactics with every fan!

These queues were never really there, it was an excuse Alan used to get people out so he could have a drink before the game.

After the match and during the week Alan would be found in the lounge near the coat stand waiting for his good and another sadly missed friend Peter Catterall. He wouldn’t normally have to wait long and the beer, chat and fun would go well on into the night (sometimes into the early hours) the usual people would be left standing Alan, Peter ,Chris, and Spike premier league drinkers not northern conference.

Alan was a true gentleman, polite, friendly and professional. The list, along with tales about weekend trips to Torquay, Bournemouth and long nights in the lounge at Springfield Park would probably fill this page.

All I can say from a personal level is, I am glad to have known Mr Alan Liptrot and along with our present chairman Caroline Molynuex, treasure and long time friend of Alan, Spike (Roy) Highton and the rest of the Wigan Athletic Supporters Club Commitee and fans, friends old and new pass on our thoughts and wishes to his family, Carol and his two sons Greg and Martin.

Wigan athletic Supporters Club has sadly transferred another good squad player like the rest gone but will never be forgotten, rest in peace mate.

If available and if deemed appropriate, would anyone care to post a photo of Alan?

I have been going since the late 60’s and feel sure I ought to recognise him , but a photo would help and I’m sure other Posters may be interested in ‘seeing’ Alan.

I wanted to ask the same question Zeb but wasn’t sure I should. Didn’t know Alan to talk to but recognise his face from the link. R.I.P mate.