Sharks tribute to legendary kit man ‘Bleasy’
SALE Sharks’ beloved kit man Alan Blease has passed away at the age of 69, following a second short battle with cancer.
Alan, or ‘Bleasy’ as he was affectionately known throughout the rugby community, died on Wednesday July 8 surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his two daughters Beccy and Jo and his three grandchildren, Koby, Chloe and Belle.
Originally a geography teacher at Whalley Range High School in Manchester, Alan joined the club as a 22year-old in 1973, where he played as a prop for Sale’s 2nd XV before going on to devote his life to the club.
He stopped playing in 1990 when he was asked by Fran Cotton to be chairman of selectors, a role he undertook with his customary calm organisation until the beginning of the pro era at Heywood Road.
During a career spanning 47 years, Bleasy has held almost every position at Sale including player, team manager and, most significantly, head kit man – he was the longest serving kit man in Premiership Rugby’s history.
He embraced this role alongside his best friend and life-long colleague Robbie Dickson. The pair would go on to reach legendary status at the club and across the rugby fraternity due to their unique friendship, working relationship and commitment to the club.
Speaking on behalf of everybody connected with the club, Sharks director of rugby and life-long friend Steve Diamond said: “There are so many meaningless words traded around like ‘legend’ and ‘family’ in this day and age, especially within sport. On this occasion, I can say that Alan Blease is a true legend of Sale Rugby.
“Bleasy was one of the elders of the unique rugby family we possess here at Sale and everybody has their own story to tell about such a great man.”