Peter Deakin
Encyclopedia
Peter Deakin was raised in Oldham
, Lancashire
, England
. He played Rugby League in the town but made his name through sports marketing.
After a spell learning the industry in America, he returned to make Bradford Bulls big at the box office again, and was so successful that Saracens owner Nigel Wray lured him to Watford, where he delivered five-figure crowds for Premiership club Saracens, including the then record 19000 crowd at Saracens Watford home.
His love of Rugby League proved too great, however, and he leapt at the chance to take over at Warrington Wolves
. But he felt there were those at Wilderspool who did not share his vision, and after securing the Community Stadium (now renamed Halliwell Jones Stadium), he left.
After a short tenure he bought into the vision of Sale Sharks' owner Brian Kennedy and started the processes which eventually led to Sale Sharks crowds of over 10000, and the Guinness Premiership victory in 2006. Peter was hit by the cancer, and although he battled bravely and had another spell at Saracens, it finally ended his life prematurely in 2003.
Peter was remembered by the naming of the Man Of the Match Trophy in the Guinness Premiership Final.
Oldham
Oldham is a large town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies amid the Pennines on elevated ground between the rivers Irk and Medlock, south-southeast of Rochdale, and northeast of the city of Manchester...
, Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. He played Rugby League in the town but made his name through sports marketing.
After a spell learning the industry in America, he returned to make Bradford Bulls big at the box office again, and was so successful that Saracens owner Nigel Wray lured him to Watford, where he delivered five-figure crowds for Premiership club Saracens, including the then record 19000 crowd at Saracens Watford home.
His love of Rugby League proved too great, however, and he leapt at the chance to take over at Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
. But he felt there were those at Wilderspool who did not share his vision, and after securing the Community Stadium (now renamed Halliwell Jones Stadium), he left.
After a short tenure he bought into the vision of Sale Sharks' owner Brian Kennedy and started the processes which eventually led to Sale Sharks crowds of over 10000, and the Guinness Premiership victory in 2006. Peter was hit by the cancer, and although he battled bravely and had another spell at Saracens, it finally ended his life prematurely in 2003.
Peter was remembered by the naming of the Man Of the Match Trophy in the Guinness Premiership Final.
External links
- http://www.playtheball.com/columns/richards/richards19.asp