Albert Blan
Encyclopedia
Albert Blan is an English
former professional rugby league
footballer of the 1940s, '50s and '60s who at representative level has played for England
, and at club level for Wigan 'A'
, and Swinton
. Blan was the Lions' astute captain during much of his service with the club leading them to their two successive First Division Championships of 1962-63 and 1963-64. Blan was also a skilled place kicker whether a penalty or a conversion. Until the late 1950s he usually played in the , i.e. number 3 or 4, but as he lost pace he successfully moved to , i.e. number 13, where his leadership and notable quick thinking football brain sparked off many a try scoring movement. Many Swinton fans often referred to him as "Brainy Blan", and with good reason.
while at Swinton in 1953 against either Wales, France, or Other Nations.
in Swinton
's victory in the 1962-63 Rugby Football League Championship, and the 1963-64 Rugby Football League Championship. These were the only two seasons between 1905–06 and 1972–73 in which a playoff wasn't used to determine the Rugby Football League Championship winners.
in Swinton
's victory in the 1960-61 Lancashire League
.
success in the 1969-70 final against Leigh
by 11-2 at Central Park, Wigan
, an achievement which alluded him as team captain in the three finals against St. Helens in consecutive seasons, 1960–61, 1961–62 and 1962-63.
, and Salford
rugby league , John Blan/Jack Blan, and rugby league footballer, Billy Blan
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former professional rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
footballer of the 1940s, '50s and '60s who at representative level has played for England
England national rugby league team
The England national rugby league team represent England in international rugby league football tournaments. The team has now seen a revival, having largely formed from the Great Britain team, who also represented Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The team is run under the auspices of the Rugby Football...
, and at club level for Wigan 'A'
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
, and Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
. Blan was the Lions' astute captain during much of his service with the club leading them to their two successive First Division Championships of 1962-63 and 1963-64. Blan was also a skilled place kicker whether a penalty or a conversion. Until the late 1950s he usually played in the , i.e. number 3 or 4, but as he lost pace he successfully moved to , i.e. number 13, where his leadership and notable quick thinking football brain sparked off many a try scoring movement. Many Swinton fans often referred to him as "Brainy Blan", and with good reason.
International honours
Albert Blan won a cap for EnglandEngland national rugby league team
The England national rugby league team represent England in international rugby league football tournaments. The team has now seen a revival, having largely formed from the Great Britain team, who also represented Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The team is run under the auspices of the Rugby Football...
while at Swinton in 1953 against either Wales, France, or Other Nations.
Rugby Football League Championship appearances
Albert Blan played, and was captainCaptain (sports)
In team sports, a captain is a title given to a member of the team. The title is frequently honorary, but in some cases the captain may have significant responsibility for strategy and teamwork while the game is in progress on the field...
in Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
's victory in the 1962-63 Rugby Football League Championship, and the 1963-64 Rugby Football League Championship. These were the only two seasons between 1905–06 and 1972–73 in which a playoff wasn't used to determine the Rugby Football League Championship winners.
County League appearances
Albert Blan played, and was captainCaptain (sports)
In team sports, a captain is a title given to a member of the team. The title is frequently honorary, but in some cases the captain may have significant responsibility for strategy and teamwork while the game is in progress on the field...
in Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
's victory in the 1960-61 Lancashire League
Rugby league county leagues
The Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
.
Lions' coach
As Swinton coach in the late 1960s/early 1970s Albert Blan guided the team to Lancashire CupLancashire Cup
There are many Lancashire Cup competitions.In particular:-* The Lancashire Senior Cup, an association football competition.* The Lancashire Cup, one of the Rugby league county cups played from 1905 to 1993.* The Lancashire Cup ....
success in the 1969-70 final against Leigh
Leigh Centurions
Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
by 11-2 at Central Park, Wigan
Central Park (Wigan)
Central Park was a rugby league stadium in Wigan, England. It was the home of Wigan RLFC before the club moved to the JJB Stadium in 1999. Its final capacity was 18,000.-History:...
, an achievement which alluded him as team captain in the three finals against St. Helens in consecutive seasons, 1960–61, 1961–62 and 1962-63.
Genealogical information
Albert Blan is the younger brother of both WiganWigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
, and Salford
Salford City Reds
Salford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
rugby league , John Blan/Jack Blan, and rugby league footballer, Billy Blan
Billy Blan
William "Billy" Blan was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, Leeds, and St. Helens, playing at , or /, i.e...
.