Leigh Centurions can confirm that Chief Executive Officer Allan Rowley has decided to take early retirement ahead of his 65th birthday later in the year and has stepped down from the Board of Directors.
In recognition of his many years of loyal and valuable service to the club as player, coach and administrator Allan has been unanimously invited by the Board to become a Life Member of the Club, a position he has proudly accepted.
Allan Rowleys involvement with the Club began in their Wembley year when he signed professional from the Colts team and he made his debut in the front row against Wakefield Trinity in September 1971, earning Heritage Number 788.
He went to make 123 first-team appearances over the next eight seasons, scoring eight tries before being transferred to Workington Town for £7,000 in 1979. Allan went on to play for St Helens, Swinton and Carlisle before hanging up his boots.
Allan returned to Leigh working as an assistant coach to Kevin Ashcroft in the promotion winning season of 1991-92 and went on to become a member of the management committee, commercial director and board of directors during a turbulent time in the Clubs history when his knowledge of the game, ability to problem-solve and good humour served him and the Club in good stead and saw them through many seemingly unsolvable obstacles in their battle to survive.
After furthering his experience with managerial roles at Sale Sharks and St Helens, Allan returned to Leigh and was CEO during the pivotal years when the Club left Hilton Park and moved in at Leigh Sports Village working under the Chairmanship of his good friend the late Arthur Thomas. In more reason years he has worked closely with Club Owner Derek Beaumont and is widely respected throughout the game.
Reflecting on his decision Allan Rowley said: "After representing the Club for such a long time and being involved in the game in general for 44 years or so, I realise how lucky I am compared to my dad for instance who left school at the same age (15 ) and spent all his working career apart from a few years down the mines.
"We have experienced many highs and some lows during my time at Leigh but I am grateful to the Club for my time here, where I have made many friends throughout the game which has left me with many memories
"I am now looking forward to watching the team reach our Super League target and I wish Derek and Neil and the team all the very best and will be shouting as loud as anyone albeit from the lofty heights of a life member's seat.
Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: Allan has been a great servant to Leigh for many years and in particular both of my stints at the Club. He is a personal friend and also had a positive contribution to my business during his time there.
He is a very knowledgeable and respected man in the Rugby League world and I am delighted to honour him as a Life Member of our Club where he can continue to be respected and represent the Club with honour for the rest of his days. I will look forward to continuing watching our team on its journey with Allan from the directors box.
Done a lot of work for the club Alan. Hope we still get him with the microphone from time to time, brilliantly funny. Surprised he's not already a life member, well deserved.
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