Peter Deakin

Peter Deakin (1954-2004) was raised in Oldham, Lancashire, England. He played Rugby League in the town but made his name through his extraordinary drive in the field of sports marketing.

After a spell learning the industry in America, he returned to make Bradford Bulls big at the box office again, and was so successful that Saracens owner Nigel Wray lured him to Watford, where he delivered five-figure crowds for Premiership club Saracens, including the then record 19000 crowd at Saracens Watford home.

His love of Rugby League proved too great, however, and he leapt at the chance to take over at Warrington Wolves. But he felt there were those at Wilderspool who did not share his vision, and after securing the Community Stadium (now renamed Halliwell Jones Stadium), he left.

After a short tenure he bought into the vision of Sale Sharks' owner Brian Kennedy and started the processes which eventually led to Sale Sharks crowds of over 10000, and the Guinness Premiership victory in 2006. Peter was hit by the cancer, and although he battled bravely and had another spell at Saracens, it finally ended his life prematurely in 2003.

Peter was loved by all who met him in Rugby, and he was remembered by the naming of the Man Of the Match Trophy in the Guinness Premiership Final. His legacy is a much more professional, exciting and better marketed sport.

External links

* http://www.playtheball.com/columns/richards/richards19.asp