Tributes paid following death of former Wigan chairman Jack Robinson

Robinson was chairman of Wigan for five years and a director for 18 years - and one of the famous 'gang of four' who revitalised the club in the 1980s.

Former Warriors boss Wane, who joined his hometown club as a young prop after they had just battled their way out of the second division, said: "I'm saddened to hear the news about Jack.

"He cared deeply for the club and he was a really good fella. A top guy.

"He was an antique dealer and probably through that, he had this great way of dealing with people - he could talk to anyone.

"He was very passionate about the club and, with the other directors, it was their investment and drive which ultimately made Wigan the force they became. I owe a lot to all of them."

Robinson was part of a formidable boardroom team with Tom Rathbone, Maurice Linday and ex-player Jack Robinson and under their control, Wigan became the first team to go full-time professional - leading to a period of incredible success in the '80s and into the mid-90s.

Their eight year Challenge Cup run underlined their dominance and they also won the World Club Challenge three times.

Current club owner and chairman Ian Lenagan said: "Whilst I didn’t know Jack personally, it’s clear to me from speaking to Maurice Lindsay and other staff over the past 24-hours that Jack Robinson was a Wigan Rugby League man through-and-through and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.

"We thank him for his significant contributions to our great club and we hope his loved ones can find some solace in his evident achievements here at Wigan Rugby League Club.”

Shortly after Wigan had entered the Super League era, Robinson's reign as chairman ended under a cloud when he sold the club's Central Park ground to Tesco.

But Sky Sports presenter Terry O'Connor says the circumstances surrounding the end of his tenure in 1997 should not overshadow his contribution to Wigan.

"Jack was the chairman who signed me and he was a lovely bloke," said the ex-prop, who moved from Salford in 1994.

"He understood the importance of Wigan to the community, and everything he did was for the people of Wigan.

"He was one of the nice guys. Don't get me wrong, he tried to get the best contract he could! But every time I left a meeting with him I shook his hand and left with a smile on my face. He was honourable, you never felt you'd been 'had over'.

"I had the utmost respect for him, from my point of view he was outstanding. Jack put money into the club knowing he wouldn't see a return, and he did it for the glory of the club and the community. You think of all the success Wigan had, he was a huge part of it. The club is indebted to him."

In 2006, Robinson's life was torn apart when his son, Ben, was killed when he was hit by a car as he walked home from a night out in Wigan. The driver of the car was jailed for mowing down the 21-year-old and his best friend Mark Lowe, who survived but was left blind.

Winston Higham, a current Wigan Warriors director, said: "I knew Jack as a supporter and when I was helping out at the club with design work. My son Zak also played at Ince St William's in the same team as his son John.

"He was the rugby brain and he was always watching amateur rugby and spending time with scouts looking at players.

"He was a smart businessman as well. He wore his heart on his sleeve and he worked hard for his business, his family and the rugby club.

"He was never the same after Ben died. It broke his heart."

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