Wigan Athletic head coach Gary Caldwell has paid tribute to rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston following his death this week. Caldwell spoke about Boston's legacy during his weekly media duties on Friday afternoon.
Sir Billy Boston died earlier this week at the age of 92. His wife, Lady Joan, who was two years younger, had passed away just weeks before and was buried last week. The dual loss has been felt deeply across the sporting community in Wigan.
What did Gary Caldwell say about Sir Billy Boston?
Gary Caldwell was clear in his admiration for the rugby league icon. "Sir Billy Boston was a real Wigan legend," the Latics boss stated. He added, "He is without doubt a huge Wigan legend." Caldwell's comments came as Wigan Warriors dedicated their Thursday night Super League fixture against Hull KR to Boston's memory. The football club's tribute comes as the team sits 24th in League One with 0 points from 2 games, having scored 2 goals and conceded 5 so far this season.
How did Wigan Warriors honor Boston?
The rugby league club staged several poignant tributes during their match. Two seats in the directors' box were left vacant in honor of Sir Billy and Lady Joan. The Warriors have since confirmed those seats will be retired permanently as a mark of respect. Players warmed up in black tee-shirts featuring Boston's famous number two. A host of former players and club staff were in attendance to watch the dedicated fixture.
What was Sir Billy Boston's sporting legacy?
Sir Billy Boston switched codes to sign for Wigan Warriors in 1953. He went on to score an incredible 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club. His career made him one of the most celebrated figures in the town's sporting history, transcending the traditional football and rugby league divide. This shared sporting heritage is a key part of Wigan's identity, even as the football team currently finds itself six points behind league leaders Bradford City.
What is next for Wigan Athletic?
Attention now returns to the football pitch for Caldwell and his squad. Their next challenge is a home match against Stockport County on September 5th. Stockport currently sit 9th in the table, presenting a tough test for a Latics side seeking its first points of the campaign. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our fixtures page. The current league position and recent form, detailed on our standings page, underline the importance of the upcoming matches as the season develops.
