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MR RELIABLE... David Greenwood.
Superfit rugby ace found dead
Mike Floyd3/ 1/2006
A DEVASTATED family was yesterday waiting for the result of a post mortem to find out what killed a superfit rugby player.
David Greenwood, the 39-year-old father of twins and a key member of Littleborough Rugby Union Club's first team, was found dead in bed on Saturday morning by his girlfriend, Kate Bingham.
A close friend and team mate, Jason Clegg, was one of the paramedics who were called to Mr Greenwood at his Newall Road, Littleborough, flat.
Mr Greenwood was the owner of D and K Motors in nearby Victoria Street.
His father Brian, a Milnrow businessman, said: "Dave had been off colour for a couple of days with flu-like symptoms, but he was the kind of lad who shook it off and got on with it. We're gutted."
Littleborough head coach, Lee Durrant, said: "It's unbelievable. He was first team captain last season and manager this season. He still played and was my right-hand man.
"Dave was a legend at the club and one of life's gentlemen. He stayed with the club through thick and through thin and nothing disgruntled him. You could always guarantee him being there. He was Mr Reliable.
"It's going to be strange at our next training session, because Dave was always the first to arrive and get things sorted out."
Earlier this year Mr Greenwood led the Littleborough club to the first trophy in its 75-year history, when they won the Lancashire Plate.
"He will be irreplaceable," said club captain Brian Hurst. "He was a great clubman and if I asked him to do anything for the club he did it straight away. David's heart and soul was Littleborough Rugby Club.
"He's been at the club for more than 20 years. He was an excellent player and even at the age of 39 kept his spot as first-team hooker. I just don't know how we are going to replace him as a person and a clubman. A nicer lad you couldn't wish to meet."
After a spell in rugby league with Saddleworth and Hornets A team, Mr Greenwood turned his attention to rugby union at Littleborough.
"He had a stint at Rochdale Hornets and they wanted him to sign professional," said his father. "But he had a good job and decided against it.
"He joined Littleborough because it was a good atmosphere. He loved every bit of it and the lads he played with."
Mr Greenwood, a popular figure in Littleborough, attended Newhey Primary School and Roch Valley High (now Hollingworth High). In his teens he was a keen water skier.
He is survived by his 11-year-old daughters, Gemma and Rebecca, his parents, Brian and Lynne, sisters Jane and Vivien, girlfriend Kate and former wife Julia.
Most recent 2 of 4 user comments
Andy
7/01/2006 at 22:28
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11/01/2006 at 00:43