SADNESS and pleasure on the same day. I only met Peter Rhodes a few times, when, as a young rookie rugby league referee in the 1970s, our paths would cross on a Sunday morning on Knavesmire.
On the long lonely walk back to the changing rooms, after a torrid morning trying to stop Punch Bowl, INL or York Albion from knocking lumps out of each other, and with all the players and the odd supporter questioning my parentage, Peter, on seeing a fellow black shirt, would come and talk, sympathise and always offer encouragement for the next game.
Fond memories of former Football League referee Peter, who died at the weekend.
On those same cold winter mornings, Spen Allison, although recently retired from playing, would occasionally turn out for INL. Even then, boy, could he tackle! I think he had forgotten that he wasn’t still wearing his helmet from his beloved moped.
His York Community Pride Person of the Year award is richly deserved.
Just one thing. I have never heard him called Alan before, never knowing what the “A” stood for.
To the whole rugby league fraternity, Spencer, you will always be known as “Spen”.
Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington, York.
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