Relatives in quest for any memories of goalkeeper Fred Else

A relative of a top-flight goalkeeper has asked for memories of the man many crowned the best stopper never to have played for England.
By Ben Butler
Published 22nd Jan 2021, 12:00 BST
Updated 22nd Jan 2021, 12:18 BST
Goalkeeper Fred Else who hailed from StandishGoalkeeper Fred Else who hailed from Standish
Goalkeeper Fred Else who hailed from Standish

Fred Else, who hailed from Standish, played for Preston, Blackburn and Barrow in the 1950s and 1960s, making a total of 607 appearances in the green jersey.

He also made an appearance for the England B teamFred Else, who hailed from Standish, played for Preston, Blackburn and Barrow in the 1950s and 1960s, making a total of 607 appearances in the green jersey.

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in 1957 against Scotland B as well as participating in a Football Association touring side of 1961.

Goalkeeper Fred Else in actionGoalkeeper Fred Else in action
Goalkeeper Fred Else in action

Now Audrey Lowe, who is also from Standish and the daughter of his cousin, wants anyone with memories and pictures of him to come forward.

She said Fred grew up in Standish and that he lived in Church Street with his brother Ronald who still lives in the village. He also attended Standish Boys’ Grammar School, on School Lane.

Audrey has photos which show Fred as a player and with the England B team when they went on a tour of the Far East,

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Audrey said she was “hopeful” that people, especially the older generation, can provide memories of Fred, who was a former teammate of one time Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan.

Fred Else (first left ) with members of England B when they went on a tour of the Far EastFred Else (first left ) with members of England B when they went on a tour of the Far East
Fred Else (first left ) with members of England B when they went on a tour of the Far East

She said: “There will definitely be people in Standish who will remember him.

“Especially the older generation. He was good friends with Dave Whelan having played alongside him at Blackburn.

“Fred would be in his 80s now if he were still with us.

She added: “I’m hopeful people can give us some memories of him.”

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Fred retired from football after Barrow’s relegation in 1970 following a leg infection and his final season included a brief stint as caretaker manager at the club.

After ending his playing career, he remained in Barrow, becoming a geography and maths teacher at a secondary school.

He retired from teaching in 1999 and moved to Cyprus, though still attended some Barrow matches.

He died in Barrow on July 20, 2015 at the age of 82.

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Related topics:StandishEnglandPrestonBlackburn