Former Bradford Northern coach and general manager Albert Fearnley has died at his home at Lowestoft aged 75.

Fearnley, who played a big part in Northern's re-emergence as a major force in rugby league following their re-formation in 1964, occupied several key roles at the club between 1966 and 1977, including coach and general manager.

He had a long playing career with Oldham, Rochdale, Halifax, Featherstone and Batley before moving into coaching with Halifax.

Fearnley joined Northern as developments officer in 1966 and later became secretary and general manager.

He had three separate spells as coach with the club before resigning each time to concentrate on administrative and money raising duties.

After leaving Odsal, he became coach at Batley, Blackpool Borough and Keighley. He was also a director at Blackpool.

His sons, Stan and Gordon were also professional sportsmen.

Gordon played football with Bristol Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday while Stan played for Northern and Leeds and won a Challenge Cup winners medal with Leeds in 1977.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.