Eric Ayles (21 February 1928 – 26 May 1972) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played as a prop forward in the 1940s and 1950s. He played at representative level for Lancashire, and at club level for Belle Vue Rangers, St Helens and Salford. He was crushed and killed by a piece of concrete in 1972.[2]
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Eric Ayles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 21 February 1928 Wigan, Lancashire, England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 26 May 1972 (aged 44) Wigan, Lancashire, England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Prop forward | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing career
editAyles started his professional career with Belle Vue Rangers before signing for St Helens in September 1953.[3]
In March 1956, he joined Salford on loan, before signing a permanent deal with the club in August 1956 for an estimated fee of £350.[4]
Ayles dislocated his shoulder in a match against Workington Town in April 1958, which forced him to retire.[5]
Representative honours
editAyles made two appearances for Lancashire while at Belle Vue Rangers.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ "Eric Ayles". Saints Heritage Society. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ "Club director crushed to death in lorry". Liverpool Daily Post (Merseyside ed.). 26 May 1972. p. 9. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Forward transferred". Belfast Telegraph. 10 September 1953. p. 10 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Saints Transfer Ayles To Salford". Liverpool Echo. 15 August 1956. p. 9 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ McNamara, Jack (18 April 1958). "Eric Ayles hangs up his boots". Manchester Evening News. p. 24 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Saxton, Irvin (ed.). History of Rugby League: No.57 1951–1952. League Publications.
- ^ Saxton, Irvin (ed.). History of Rugby League: No.58 1952–1953. League Publications.