Tributes flood in for Wolves legend Mike Gregory

Nov 20 2007 by Ian Laybourn, Liverpool Daily Post

He succeeded Raper at his home-town club in July 2004 and, after guiding the Warriors to a an 11-match unbeaten run culminating in a Grand Final appearance, he was given the job full-time on a two-year contract.

He took Wigan to the Challenge Cup final the following May but that was to prove his last match.

Rugby Football League executive chairman Richard Lewis admitted Gregory’s death represents “great loss to the sport.”

“Everyone at the RFL is greatly saddened by the news of Mike Gregory’s death,” Lewis said.

“Mike was among the best players of his generation and captained the Great Britain team with tremendous distinction and success on numerous occasions.

“He set a shining example with the character, bravery and determination that he showed on the field of play and he was always a superb, highly dedicated and disciplined professional athlete.

“In his coaching career Mike enjoyed great success both with young developing players and experienced internationals and showed great ability and talent in this area of the game.

“I am sure any players who came under his guidance would have gained a great deal from the experience.

“He is a great loss to the sport.” Wasps coach Shaun Edwards, another of Gregory’s friends from within the sport, said: “We went to school together as kids.

“He was Great Britain captain and on the pitch he was a warrior. Off it, he was full of life, full of fun.

“As a coach he was a guy who cared deeply for his players.

“It was heartbreaking to see him suffer recently and to see him pass away now.

“There have been a lot of (fundraising) events which showed how much people thought of Mike.”

Former Wigan and Great Britain centre Joe Lydon added: “Anyone who played with him or against him or watched him play would have respected Mike for his courage.

“He brought that same courage to his fight against an appalling illness. We are all lucky to have known him.”