AN ex-Wire assistant coach, who came out of retirement during an injury crisis, has died.

Tommy Grainey played and coached at Leigh before joining Warrington as Alex Murphy’s right-hand man in 1974.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1998 and after many years of care at home was in Pennington House, Bedford Nursing and Residential Home in Leigh when he died on Thursday, aged 75.

Grainey played for Leigh between 1961 and 1972, making 164 appearances, scoring 16 tries and kicking 135 goals.

He became ‘A’ team coach at Leigh and took on those reins when joining Warrington too, leading his side to the Lancashire Combination Shield in 1974-75 and being instrumental in developing youngsters.

It was on October 3, 1976, that Grainey dug out his boots to appear off the bench for Wire during an injury crisis.

He played his part in a 38-13 win at Barrow.

Grainey became head coach at Leigh in 1978 before spells at Swinton and Salford.

Much of his career was also spent in partnership with former Warrington and Leigh hooker and coach Kevin Ashcroft.

“We were close and he was like a brother to me,” said Ashcroft.

"Tommy came from a large family and was one of life's characters and 100 percent loyal. You could trust him with the Crown Jewels.

“He loved Rugby League and being involved in the game.

"Any coach wants an assistant you can trust and you could trust Tommy with your life.

"All the players knew him and respected him and he had a good tactical appreciation of the game.

“He was always looking at ways to do things differently and trying new things. He could read a game as well as when he was a player and though he always had his say and his opinion he always backed your judgement.

"Tommy worked in the building trade and just as with his rugby you could trust him to do anything - brickying, plastering and the like. He always did a great job and put his heart and soul into it."

He is survived by his wife Pat and two daughters.