St Helens pay tribute to legendary coach Joe Coan, who has died aged 90

Coan, who  died at the weekend, brought St Helens much-needed silverware after a period of limited success.
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Old boy Eamonn McManus has this week paid tribute to one of his former teachers, who also became a legendary coach at Knowsley Road between 1964 and 1967.

Cumbrian Joe Coan, who  died at the weekend aged 90, brought St Helens much-needed silverware after a period of limited success, including a league and cup double in 1966.

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Life-long fan and owner of St Helens RLFC, Eamonn said: "Joe was undoubtedly one of our greatest and most successful coaches and will always be remembered as such.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus. Picture: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com.St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus. Picture: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com.
St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus. Picture: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com.

“He was also my rugby teacher at West Park Grammar School when I started in 1967 and made a huge and inspirational impression upon me for life.

“It was great to see him and his all-conquering Saints’ team of 1966 back at the club on Good Friday 50 years on, when we hosted them before a Wigan game. One of our greatest teams led by one of our greatest coaches.”

Joe married his wife, Mary, on Boxing Day 1958 and they have two children, Nicky and Chris, as well as five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

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