[Archived] Neil Wilkinson & Russell Coughlin

[Parsonblue]

The passing of these two former players this week puts football into perspective. Both have left us way too young. Remember both very fondly and there are some cracking stories about Russell in Mick Rathbone's book. This really is sad news.

[Iceman]

R.I.P to both Neil and Russell.. Condolences to their families

[1864roverite]

How very sad, didn't hear about R Coughlin, I loved him as a Rovers player

[Mercer]

_{Such sad news about Russell Coughlin.}

_{I remember the late John Pickering signing Russell from Manchester City for a fee of about £40,000 (a decent fee in those days) and he looked to be a player with great potential; sadly, he didn't kick on at Rovers but went on to record some 500 appearances with other lower league sides.}

[MCMC1875]

I bumped into Russell a couple of years ago. I was a having a pint in the Withy trees in Bamber Bridge and a coach pulled in. Turned out it was a regular stop on an annual trip from Haydock Races back to the North East. I was talking to a chap about footie who said Russell was on the coach. We had a good chat. Great lad, can't believe he's passed away.

[m1st]

I agree with what everyone's written about these two lads; condolences to their families from me, too.

On a personal note, it's a worrying development how many players younger than me [and I'm not that old, honest!] have passed on.

[Jock]

Russell was very popular at Blackpool except for that pen he put over the Bolton Supermarket.