Keighley's sporting community was saddened by the death of Jimmy Coulton this week.
Jimmy, 78, had been in hospital since suffering a fall three months ago and died on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife Mary and his son and daughter, Tony Coulter and Janet Benson.
He was a founder member of Keighley Albion Rugby league Club in 1948 and played throughout the 1940's and 50's before turning to coaching, a role he held until 1979.
The
club was formed in 1948 as many of Keighley's young men were returning from the
period of hostilities and the inaugural meeting of the team which became
Keighley Albion was held in the former White Horse public house in Wesley Place.
Jimmy
had himself returned from service in the Royal Navy when he served on the
Atlantic Convoys which helped beat Nazi submarine blockades and keep Britain
supplied with food and equipment throughout the war.
His
parents ran the Wldte Horse pub and he helped organise the first meeting with
Allan Kirkley, a workmate at Prince-Smith's.
At
the end of their first season they won the Keighley challenge Cup, beating a Co-oP
side 14-9 with Jimmy Coulton captain of the victorious team.
It
was the start of years of success as both a player and coach. the club enjoyed
an incredible first 10 years with 1953-4 probably their most successful season.
They won four trophies in a two-week span including the Halifax Charity
Cup.
Late in the 1950's Jimmy turned to coaching, first with the club's successful under-19s side which won the Halifax Cup in 1958. The new coach had worked out a plan to counter the threat of Low Moor's star Roy Sabine.
A
player from each side was sent off before the referee abandoned the match
halfway through the second half, awarding the title to Keighley.
In
the 1960's he coached the club's first team and was even offered the chance to
coach professionally with Keighley RLFC, but decided to stay with Albion.
He
treated the players as an extended family and was considered ahead of his time
as a coach, bringing in specialists to help with fitness training.
Jimmy
retired as coach in 1979 after over 30 years with the club, and continued as a
supporter in later years.
A funeral service is to be held at Keighley Parish Church on Monday at 12.45pm followed by cremation.
From
the Keighley News, Friday July 7th 2001