RIP Eric Whalley
 

Brett Omerod has just put on Facebook..."God Bless Eric Whalley, Massive part of my career, RIP!"

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

condolences to the family, only just saw this on Facebook. Whether you love or hate the guy, he has done a hell of a lot for our club. RIP

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

So sad to hear this, worked next to Eric in mid 60's, renewed acquaintanceship
When I started watching ASFC about 12yrs ago.
We have a lot to thank him for.

RIP Eric.

Condolences to the family

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric you said you would get Stanley back in the FL and did

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Indeed. Fulfilled his ambition and made our implausible dreams come true. RIP Eric.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

R I P Mr Whalley, condolences to all his Family

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Rest Easy Eric. Thank you for those good years and the Pride you helped Restore. A big part of our History, our Club and our lives. God Speed.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Sad news indeed our condolances to Erics family RIP

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Can't believe what I've just read R.I.P. Eric and God bless and thanks for all you did for Stanley

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Very sorry to read this. Thoroughly enjoyed both times I met him especially Woking. A real character. Very dry sense of humour. He, Coley and Jimmy steered Stanley back to where they belong for sure and that will never be forgotten.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

r.i.p. eric whalley :(

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric, Mr. Accrington Stanley a one of a kind who was the driving force behind Stanley's return the Football League.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric Whalley. You made my dreams come true.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Sad news knew Eric and all is family very well my thoughts are with all of you at this sad time RIP and goodbye Eric.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

R.I.P. Eric. Thanks for everything.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

So very sad to hear the news of Eric's passing. I will always remember the special moments we all shared over the years and the celebrations in the Crown after the games. Our thoughts are with Eric's family. RIP Eric (say hello to Phil for us) x

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Rest in piece Eric

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric Whalley. You left an indelible mark on this small cotton town. Your service as a player, manager and latterly as chairman who delivered the impossible dream will never be forgotten. Great memories from a great man.

After relegation from the NPL the 4-500 who used to go on would have been taken away in a white van if you mentioned football league.

But with a bloody-minedness that could be to the ire of others occasionally you gave Accringtonians a legacy that will forever be in the annuls of history. The league status we enjoy and the state of the Crown Ground today compared to then ensure your memory will live on.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

There's only one Eric Whalley.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to all of Eric's family. Played against Eric in the youth league in the mid 50s, a very skillful player, kept in touch right through to his time at Stanley. Always reminisced on our trips home, he was Stanley through and through and as has been said, without his passion and desire Stanley would certainly not be where they are today. R.I.P. Eric, Stanley legend.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Condolences to Eric's family. His achievements at Stanley make him a major figure in our history, and - as with all leaders - he could be as rebarbative as he could inspirational. But there is no question that he grabbed the club by the scruff of its neck and hauled us up the steep incline of the non-League pyramid - the most difficult ascent in English football.

Here's a quote from Dave Mooney about playing for Eric in the late 80s when he came back to the Crown as manager. I think it sums up Eric's approach well:

“There was certainly a sense that you could see the top of the pyramid, and Eric was very ambitious and I’ve no doubt that that what was he was looking at. It seemed a long way away, as it was, but for someone with his ambition it was certainly a target to aim for. I think for Eric, Accrington Stanley was where he always wanted to be and he had the ambition to move on and up as far as it would take him.

“Eric had his own language – and it varied from the rude to the obscene and then worse than that! But it was accepted in the dressing room and all taken in the right way, I can’t remember anyone ever taking anything personally, because everyone used to love playing for him, he was a magnanimous bloke who drew people towards him and made them want to play for him. We always had to stop on the way back from a game and have a drink and he used to buy a round for everyone. We also had club nights after training where Eric would take us for meals. It was a brilliant time, he always had a positive outlook. He was a player’s manager – win, lose or draw, as long as you’d done your best then you deserved a drink and to relax and enjoy what you’d achieved on the field.”

Old school for sure, but it took us a long, long way. Thanks for everything, Eric.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Very sad to read the news about Eric. My condolences go to his family and closest friends.
Eric was simply Mr Accy Stanley.
During our recovery climb back up the pyramid he must have done every 'job' there is to do around the ground and in the office; player, manager, director, chairman, odd job man, groundsman, cashier, snow shoveller and more!
Yes, as already said, he played a mammoth role in getting Stanley back into the Football League.
OK, he could get at odds with some folk but in my view he is a legend.
Heartfelt thanks to you Eric for all you did for our famous little club.
God bless.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

The second paragraph of Dave Mooney's comments sum up Eric perfectly.
You only saw the real Eric when you stood side by side with him before, during or after a game. The guy was truly a legend, after being involved in the game for many years at different clubs I never met anyone like him a true football man and friend who I will sadly miss.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

RIP Eric.

Re: RIP Eric Whalley
 

Eric Whalley a true Accy Stanley and Great Harwood legend!