A FORMER Wire player whose sons also went on to represent the club has died this week after illness.

Roy Pickersgill, described by a former teammate as "a big lad with a big heart", made a huge contribution to the club's A team in the 1970s, going on to earn himself six first-team appearances over a three-season period for coach Alex Murphy.

Roy, whose sons Steve and John both had spells on Warrington's books, started four of those games in the back row and made two substitute appearances.

"He was a good hard forward, a very reliable lad," recalls George Thornton, chairman of the Warrington RLFC Players Association - of which Roy was a member.

"He played a lot of games in the A team in the 70s, including when we won the Lancashire Shield after beating Wigan home and away over two legs.

"You didn't have to worry when you looked round the dressing rooms and saw Roy - you knew he'd be there for you on the pitch.

"He was a big lad with a big heart."

Thornton added: "He raised two lads, John and Steve, who have both played rugby league and two lads that he can be proud of.

"Mum and dad went everywhere supporting their boys."

He concluded: "It's very sad. And we're losing too many, with saying goodbye to John Earle, Ian Webster and Brian Johnson recently too.

"Roy was a valued member of the players' association and a donation has been sent to his wife to help at this sad time."

Roy's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Great Sankey, on Friday, May 6, at 9.15am.

Proceedings will continue at Burtonwood Cemetery and finally at Crosfields Recreation Ground clubhouse, Hood Lane.