mike gregory tributes

[becky b]

RIP such a sad loss

[ultimate warrior]

Mike Greg, a true legend. Gutted to hear this news, a great player and a top bloke as well.

Thoughts and prayers to Mike's family.

As said by others, Rugby League has lost one of its true heroes and legends, and life has lost a great bloke.

May you find peace now Mike, You will never be forgotten.

You are a true role model for how people should handle themselves.

God bless you Mike!

[old hooker]

This is an absolute tragedy,he was a fine man and a fine player,he will be sorely missed.

[pie army 8]

RIP, very sad news, a true rugby legend. he will be missed dearly

[Mr Stu]

this is a very sad day. great man, great coach. my condolences go to his wife and kids. true legend in every sense of the word.

i too will get gragory on my shirt for next season.

RIP mike. true legend

[AndyLaw]

Mike you were a true great.
A battler with guts on the field, and later a battler with guts off the field, a true Warrior.

Sympathy and condolences to Mikes familly and close friends.

Your memory will live on in the hearts of Wigan, Warrington and Great Britain fans for ever more.

RIP Mike.

[ancientnloyal]

Wigan official site is 'down', people perhaps logging on in their hundreds/thousands but there is a statement by wigan:

The Wigan Club were today mourning the death of former coach, Mike Gregory.

Mike was one of Rugby League’s most popular, respected and courageous stars. A former loose forward who captained Warrington and Great Britain with distinction, his glittering career as a player was followed, after years of endeavour, by his appointment as Head Coach of hometown club, Wigan.

A family spokesman confirmed on Monday that Mike had died after a four-year battle with the neurological disease. He had been suffering from a form of Motor Neurone Disease and was just 43-years-old.

Retiring Wigan Warriors Chairman, Maurice Lindsay, said,

“The news of Mike’s death is a sad loss for everyone but, in particular, for his wife and family. Everyone at the Club send their condolences to his wife Erica, sons Sam and Ben, wider family and many friends.”

Lindsay continued:

“I was fortunate to be the Great Britain Tour Manager in 1990 when Mike was our Captain. He was a leader in every way and was our most inspirational player during the Test Series win against New Zealand.

“Sadly, illness prevented Mike from spending more than a year as Wigan Head Coach but we will all have great memories of Mike as an outstanding player for both Warrington and Great Britain.

Ian Lenagan, who takes over as Wigan Chairman on 1st December added:

“Everyone who is a Rugby League fan knows of Mike Gregory and what he contributed to our game. His loss is immense, particularly at such a young age. Mike Gregory’s unique strengths and character has never been better described than by my colleague, Joe Lydon, in his introduction to Mike’s autobiography published two years ago.

Joe said; “Gone is the powerful physique that Mike worked so hard to create, the swagger, the confidence, the banter. But before anger sets in at the cruel injustice, I quickly realise that what remains, what is constant, are the core values, the heart encased in a stubborn shell.

“Courage, determination, a sharp mind and a love and appreciation of family, friends and laughter. These are the qualities that deserve to be applauded and afforded the superlatives that are too often used without real merit.

“These are the qualities that define the man I have had the pleasure to play alongside and to call my friend. These are the same qualities that should stand as a reminder to us all of what must be valued in sport, at home and in life.”

[Wayne's World]

Very sad news to hear, my heart goes out to his wife, kids and his relatives.

R.I.P Mike Gregory xxxx

[georgio]

rip mike. my sympathys go out to his family.will be very much remembered

[warrior till i die]

he should be inducted into the wigan warriors hall of fame in my opinion. It would be great for his wife and kids to walk out on the jjb field and to be shown what the wigan warriors fans think of him and the family. Ive got a great idea. What about inducting him against warrington? It would be a great tribute to him.