Jim Crellin RIP
November 2024
It is with great regret that the Oldham RL Heritage Trust has learned of the death of ex-Roughyed, Jim Crellin aged 81.
Jim signed for Workington Town from Moresby Rugby Union club in 1965 and went on to play 35 games for the first team. A centre, he spent three full seasons at Derwent Park scoring seven tries and kicking 29 goals.
He signed for Oldham making his debut in January 1969 at Huyton and played 35 times, scoring seven tries and 31 goals before his last game for the Roughyeds at Salford in February 1970.
He then went to Rochdale Hornets where he played 154 games, scoring 34 tries and kicking 58 goals before retiring in 1975. As a player he represented Cumberland County on two occasions.
Jim then went into coaching and in May 1976 took over at Blackpool Borough where he caused a few raised eyebrows by guiding the ‘Seasiders’ to the 1976/77 John Player Trophy final after beating Halifax, Barrow, Workington and Leigh en-route. They lost 25-15 in the final to Castleford.
He also had spells coaching at Halifax, Swinton, Mansfield, Rochdale and Leigh.
The sincere condolences of the Heritage Trust go out to all of Jim’s family and friends.