Alan Liptrot, our former chairman and friend of Wigan Athletic Supporters Club, has passed away.
For the people who knew Alan and for the people who was 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 another person know worldwide (within Wigan world) as Joe mills, at the end of the room near the secretary office or carols office at the table where myself, Joe, Chris Coffey and sometimes Jeff Rourke ( if he could get over his pre match nerves ) we 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 was 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 “that there were 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 Liptrot 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 programme, 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 Molyneux, treasure and long time friend of Alan, Spike ( Roy ) Highton and the rest of the Wigan Athletic Supporters Club Committee 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.
Mick Wimsey Vice-Chairman Wigan Athletic Supporters Club.
