Selfless former Accrington Stanley groundsman dies

A former Accrington Stanley groundsman who was 'always doings things for other people' has died aged 81.

James Shaw was a 'well known and well respected' shopkeeper in Oswaldtwistle, before going on to be the groundsman for Stanley for 16 years.

Mr Shaw's son, Alec, said his dad did a lot of work which benefitted many in the community. "My dad was always doing things for other people rather than himself. That's just the way he was. He was very well respected when he had the shops, he'd be open seven days a week, even Christmas Day."

"Then, when he went to be groundsman at Stanley, he did a bit of everything. He'd help out at the bar. Most of all he always made sure that food was on the table."

He became Stanley groundsman in 1986 and served there for 16 years, giving his family many memories.

Alec continued: "He did well to get games on. He never wanted games being off. He was really proud of that. They had a few good FA cup runs during that time, and he helped out all over the club."

"I can just picture him pulling the roller on the pitch by hand. The pitches were quite bad those days and sometimes he couldn't use a tractor."

"That was where I spent my holidays helping him out, I wouldn't change it at all."

Mr Shaw, who died at his home, was also a keen supporter of Blackburn Rovers and enjoyed attending the matches, and was a DIY enthusiast.

A spokeswoman for the club said that they were aware of Mr Shaw's passing and that they sent flowers for his funeral.

You can read the full article from the Lancashire Telegraph HERE