Tribute to Des Drummond, rugby league legend who has died

Warrington Players’ Association chairman Kenny Paget has been left ‘absolutely gutted’ by the news of Drummond’s death at the age of 63.

Their friendship goes back to 1976, continuing through the players’ association through various functions and the gatherings of Wire old boys on Super League matchdays.

“I started playing with him at Leigh when he started there with Alva. Since then he’s always been a good friend,” said Paget, a scrum half in the Warrington A team which did the league and Lancashire Cup double in 1981.

Leigh's Des Drummond tackled by Warrington's Phil Ford in the 1980s. Picture: Eddie Whitham

“He was a great guy. Everybody can say how tough he was on the field, but off the field he had a real soft side to him and was a great bloke.

“He was good to be around, always fun.

Des Drummond in attendance at a Wire Super League game alongside Tony Thorniley, Mike Nicholas and Wolfie. Picture: Mike Boden

“When he had the Oak Tree pub at Newton-le-Willows I used to go and see him in there quite a lot.

“I really can’t say enough about the guy. He was just such a top guy and he’s going to be missed by a lot of people. I’m absolutely gutted and I’m just lost for words.”

> READ: Reflections on Des Drummond's career as news of his death is announced

Paget added: “He went off the boil for a while but then all of a sudden started coming back to the players’ dinners again and coming to the games now and again.

“The thing is with him, he always had time for people. If you wanted him to do anything, to make an appearance, he would and the fans loved seeing him.

“Wherever we were, wherever there was a crowd he would be the first one everybody wanted to talk to.

“He was the sort of person who would do anything for anyone. If you needed him there, such as for a charitable event, he was always there.”

And Paget noted how Drummond was popular with the young Wire fans of today as well.

Like grandfathers and fathers told the next generations of fans about the great days of Brian Bevan and Harry Bath et al in the 1940s and 50s, it seems those who were thrilled by his displays in the late 1980s and early 1990s passed on their stories of Drummond in primrose and blue to their children and grandchildren.

“Even younger fans, who couldn’t have seen him play, knew of him,” said Paget.

“I’ve seen it when Des has been to the games and I’ve been quite surprised to see the younger fans trying to get his autograph, talk to him and ask him questions.

“He’s obviously one of those people who gave his time to everybody and everything.”