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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.”