We are very sorry to report the death of former tighthead prop John Croasdell who played for Fylde in the second half of the 1970s through to the end of the 1981-82 season. He was an accomplished and very tough forward who asked no favours and gave few on the pitch.
He made his name at Loughborough College alongside talent such as Fran Cotton before joining Fylde and he went on to achieve representative honours for Lancashire and England U’23s at a time when these were very hard earned caps.
‘The Crusher’ was part of a very powerful front row made up most often of the Tabern brothers, Dave and Ray. This triumvirate shocked internationals at the top of the English rankings when Fylde came up against clubs such as Gloucester, Coventry, Moseley and Wasps.
He was a member of a very good pack which also included Bill Beaumont, Dave Young, Keith Garnett, Tony Simpson, Ian Howarth, Neil Leeming and Max Kirkham.
John was a teacher at Arnold School following an upbringing in Leyland. He moved on to take up a teaching post in Worcester and lived the rest of his life in that county.
Off the field John was excellent company and a very sociable man liked by everyone.
Sir Bill Beaumont said: “John was a very good tighthead with great skills and I packed behind him on many occasions. He was a talented all round sportsman but also a really good pianist. I can remember many a Saturday night in the old clubhouse singing whilst he played the piano. He was a great guy and a lovely person. RIP.”
Everyone at Fylde RFC sends their sincere condolences to John’s family and friends.
Photos below: 1. Crusher, in centre of pic, has his sights on a young Vale of Lune winger called Mark Nelson.
2. Fylde 1st XV in the 1979-80 season.
3. Match programme from one of a number of games between Fylde & Gloucester in this period.
