A YEAR of celebrations to mark 140 years of Warrington RLFC have kicked off in style.

The Wire are marking the anniversary in style with a series of events including a heritage game, beer festival and the past player’s annual lunch on Sunday.

And it will be at this occasion that a new collection of memorabilia from one of the club’s greats will go on display for the first time.

Albert Johnson scored more than 100 tries in a playing career split by the Second World War.

Now club director Stuart Middleton has supported the purchase of the collection.

He said: “It’s all about the past, the present and the future.

“Regarding the present, the many positive changes happening and being top of the league is no fluke. It demonstrates the strength and commitment of the board and is a statement of intent for the future, we are in very good hands.

“However we must never forget the past, our rich heritage and the many sportsmen that have donned the shirt and contributed to our success over the past 140 years being in the top flight.

“I am keen to see some sort of mini museum at the stadium in the future.”

Albert was signed from Pilkington Sheet Works in April 1938 and made his debut at home in an 11-3 win against Halifax.

The Second World War intervened and it was not until peace had been restored in 1945 that Albert showed his true flair.

With a wicked sidestep the wing talent was recognised as Warrington’s only player on the successful 1946 tour.

Five minutes from full time in the second test at Brisbane he chased a kick, outstripped his Aussie winger and scored the winning try and the Ashes were retained.

Johnson went on to gain six Great Britain caps, as well as playing on four occasions for Lancashire.

He was on the wing at Wembley helping Warrington to win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 43 years, as they demolished near neighbours Widnes 19-0 in an entertaining final.

Unfortunately his career came to a tragic end in the 1951 Championship final against Workington Town at Maine Road. After only three minutes he broke his left leg and in an era before substitutes, he and his teammates had to be content with runners-up medals in a gallant 26-11 defeat. To compound matters the injury was so severe he never played again.

n For further information on the collection e-mail heritage@wolves foundation.com.