Jeff recalls that Bo played for the club for a number of years. "He was a close friend of John and Steve Porter. Many ex-players knew him - being famous in the club for his rendition of 'Jerusalem"

Bos great pal Steve Porter has been in touch

"Sad news to report that Bo died on 19th November.

Just a little "detail" about him that you may wish to add to website or have added to rugby section in the Visiter for those who knew him but do not access the rugby site.

Born in Manchester, Bo moved to Southport and attended KGV. At school he was not interested in rugby and his sporting interest was hockey and was goalkeeper for the school. Anyone who saw his nose would have realised he had not worn a face mask!!

Having then attended Sheffield Polytechnic, where his sporting activity was nil, Bo returned to Southport and upon doctors orders, was advised to play sport so as to give his liver a rest for two hours every Saturday from drink! He took up rugby!

Bo played prop for the 2nd and 3rd teams between the mid seventies to mid-eighties. Not the biggest of forwards he did not shirk his duties. Although not a violent player, he did once in a front row scuffle turn and punch his own teams hooker. As the hooker turned and asked why he had done this, Bo replied that his opposition prop had been "stuffing him all game and he didn't want to upset him further!"

A true advert for amateur rugby, during those extremely cold Saturday afternoons when a tray of sherry would be arranged for half time, Bo would make his way to participate in the warming drink. " The fastest he would move all game ".

The highlight of Bo's career was when due to a late cry-off he was suddenly promoted from the 3rd team to the 1st team in the home fixture against " St Helens ". It is reported he was seen after the match still in his kit, carrying his clothes, crawling across the 1st team pitch saying " I'm off home to bed and I never want to do that again! ". It was two weeks before he surfaced!!

A true tourist, Bo was part of the trips to Bournemouth, Amsterdam, Mons and Ayr. He played his part in these trips with the gusto required and would proceed to ensure beer drinking was to the fore of everything done within the party. Players on these trips will all have fond memories. Also there are not many who could state that they had played against the likes of Terry Holmes, Danny Wilson, Alan Phillips, Mark McJennett and the "Beast"- Michel Van der Loos.

Bo always took keen interest in the club when he finished his playing career and would attend fixtures when he could. Even through his illness he could have been seen recently at games.

It is hoped club members remember him fondly and raise a glass to a true character of Southport RFC.

So long mate"

Chairman Andrew Carney adds "perhaps a lot of you won't know him but trust me he played for and loved the Club....we shall take time on Saturday before the game against Orrell to remember our good friend RIP"

Indeed.