Former Workington Reds centre forward, Wayne Nicholls has died aged 57 in the West Cumberland Hospital.

Wayne had been ill for some time and leaves behind wife Maureen, son Liam and daughter Suzanne.  Liam is the Development Officer for Cumbria rugby union.

Liam, has over the years completed some gruelling bike rides in aid of The Amyloidosis Unit at the Royal Free Hospital, London, which helps with a variety of conditions in which proteins are abnormally deposited in organs and tissues from which his father suffered.

Having started his professional career with Leicester City, Wayne joined Workington in the summer of 1971.  He was a substitute in the first game of the 71-72 campaign (away to Aldershot) before making his full Football League debut in a 2-0 home win over Doncaster Rovers. 

His first goal for the club was in the FA Cup helping Reds to a 3-1 win at Southport while his first Football League goal was netted in a 2-1 Reds’ victory at Northampton Town.

His first goal at Borough Park was in the Festival game v. Carlisle United (to mark our 21 years in the Football League) when he found the target in a 3-3 draw.

A regular first teamer during his first season at the club, Wayne didn’t feature as often during the 72-73 season – mainly used as a substitute – but he scored nine times for the Reserves including four goals in one match. 

He was released after playing 33 League games for the Reds in the summer of 1973 and became a prominent player with several local clubs. He was a popular landlord in the Whitehaven area and also for a time in Cockermouth.

The funeral will be held at St. Begh’s Church, Whitehaven on Tuesday (11am) followed by cremation at Distington Hall.

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