Last updated at 20:37, Thursday, 24 May 2012

Footballer Barry Lowes, a member of Workington Reds’ promotion winning team of 1963-64, has died at the age of 73.

Mr Lowes, who died after a short illness, was a quick right winger who played 141 league and cup games for Workington between 1962 and 1965, scoring 38 goals.

Mr Lowes, of Ireleth, Barrow, joined Workington for £3,500 from Blackpool, and played under popular boss Ken Furphy during the club’s golden period in the league.

Furphy signed Lowes after a stint at Blackpool, who he joined for £7,000 from hometown club Barrow.

He had been bought by former England full-back Ron Staniforth when he was manager of Barrow, after watching Mr Lowes in two trial games at Holker Street.

At school he had represented Barrow Technical College at football, rugby, cricket and athletics.

But football was his first love and, after joining Holker Central Old Boys, he was spotted by Mr Staniforth.

After 55 appearances and 15 goals for Barrow, he was signed by Blackpool.

He then enjoyed four seasons with Workington, but moved again as part of a £10,000 deal with Bury which saw Billy Griffin going the other way to join Reds.

Mr Lowes made 36 appearances for Bury in just one season at Gigg Lane before manager Jimmy Hill took him to Coventry City.

Unfortunately, he was injured in his first game and spent the next two years trying to battle back from a serious knee problem.

It was a contest he was never going to win and was forced to retire.

Mr Lowes leaves his wife Barbara, son David, daughters Tracey, Wendy and Vicki, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

First published at 19:21, Thursday, 24 May 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk