Profile

Born in Leigh, Frank Stirrup came to Oldham from Salford in November 1950, making his senior debut on January 20th, 1951 in the match against Belle Vue Rangers. In that first match Frank played scrum half, but whether it be at the base of the scrum, stand off, wing, or full back, one thing was certain Frank would always give 100 % effort for the “Roughyeds”. He could play scrum half to Daley, then stand off to Pitchford, then deputise at full back for Ganley, embracing each role with enthusiasm and the natural Stirrup rugby flair and belying his slight stature by demonstrating tremendous courage when called upon to defend.

A ball handler of sublime skill, he became known as “Mr Football”, his sleight of hand exchanges, especially with Frank Daley, became legendary at Watersheddings.

Short passes, to put the likes of Little and Turner through the gap.

Long passes, to open up the way for Cracknell and Etty to fly down the wing.

No passes, leaving defenders tackling shadows as Frank dummied his way over for another try.

All these were part of the Stirrup armoury that used to thrill the Watersheddings crowd.

Considered desperately unlucky never to represent his country, Frank did play for Lancashire and was a most popular club captain in the Championship winning season of 1956-57, having been the first Oldham skipper to lift a major trophy for over 20 years, after the Lancashire Cup final success over St Helens at Swinton, on October 20th, 1956.

There were few, if any, players who left such a lasting impression on the Oldham supporters of being a Rugby League Football “entertainer”, as did Frank Stirrup.