Name John Sheridan | Role Rugby league | |
Died November 13, 2012, Dewsbury, United Kingdom | ||
John Sheridan (24 November 1933 – 13 November 2012) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s, and 1960s, and coached in the 1970s, and 1980s, playing at club level for Castleford (captain), as a centre, or loose forward/lock, i.e. number 3 or 4, or 13. This was during the era of contested scrums. He went on to coach at club level for Castleford, Leeds and Doncaster.
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Honoured at Castleford Tigers
Sheridan was a Tigers Hall Of Fame Inductee. He joined Castleford Tigers from local side Castleford Lock Lane, choosing his home town club over Leeds outfit Hunslet.
During the early part of his career he was a strong running centre who regularly topped the clubs try scoring lists. After the 1958/59 season John moved into the pack and took up the loose forward role. He was named captain as the club began to climb the league table in the early 1960s. Injuries took a toll and he moved into coaching. From 1964–82, Sheridan was "A" team coach at Castleford, winning nine Yorkshire Senior Championships and six Yorkshire Senior Cups. John took charge of the Castleford's first team for the 1973 season and then spent the following year at arch rivals Leeds before returning to Wheldon Road. He returned to coaching at Doncaster and turned the club around. He was voted the most influential person in the clubs history by the Dons fans.
Background
Sheridan was born in Pontefract, of Irish and English parentage, and grew up in the Wheldon Lane area of Castleford in a large Catholic family. As part of his National Service he joined the Royal Air Force for two years, mainly working as a bar man in the officers mess and playing Rugby Union. Once back in Castleford he signed for the Tigers and also worked in industry alongside his rugby career.
Personal life
His marriage to Hilda (née Hunter) (birth registered during April→June 1934 in Pontefract district) was registered in October→December 1957 in Pontefract district The couple had two daughters; Gail M. Sheridan (birth registered during January→March 1959 in Pontefract district), and Ann.