Clubhouse name honours legend

TAKING SHAPE . . . the new clubhouse at Saddleworth Rangers' Shaw Hall Bank Road ground.

SADDLEWORTH Rangers' new clubhouse is to be named after one of their favourite sons.

The 'Terry Flanagan Clubhouse' is due to open on March 10 - and the former Great Britain international is delighted.

Flanagan (inset, right) said: "It's a real honour and I am so proud at my association with the club since arriving as a 15-year-old in 1975.

"In recent years I have enjoyed bringing great business people to the special place that is Rangers, and I was delighted when one of my dear friends, Bill Holroyd, wanted to help with the club development.

"There is a special bond among folks at Rangers. We've always been a club that strives to do the right things by players and lovers of rugby league. Long may that continue."

After being part of a cup-winning Rangers youth side, Terry went onto become the club's most-capped international in the professional game.

He represented his country at every level and made four appearances for the full Great Britain side, which included a tour of Australia in 1984.

Back at Rangers, Flanagan coached junior teams and led tours to Australia, Dubai and Norway.

He served for a number of years as chairman after the death of Ronnie Hardaker and remains heavily involved as club president, organising the annual Burns Night dinner, among other fundraising events.

In the wider sport, he was proud to set up the Rugby League Cares charity, which supports former players.

Meanwhile, Rangers coach Craig Farrimond was left kicking his heels after Folly Lane forfeited the Napier Windows Ltd Standard Challenge Cup tie.

Lane were unable to raise a team.

Holders Rangers will now meet Rochdale Mayfield in the last four. The game will take place on a midweek date to be arranged, at Mayfield, as Rangers' clubhouse is not due to be completed until next month.

Farrimond said: "It was really frustrating, as everything was geared towards last Saturday.

"We lost the Pilkington Recs friendly as well. They had taken a few knocks and didn't want to risk players with a couple of cup games coming up, which I can understand.

"We can play matches against ourselves, but it's not the same.

"Our season starts early March, against Drighlington, so we're not that far away."