Fred Molyneux: 1944-2019

It is with huge sadness that we report that Former Players Association member Fred Molyneux passed away on Tuesday morning. Fred had been involved in a bicycle accident near his home on the Wirral and sadly did not recover.

Our thoughts are with his Wife Carol and his family and friends at this sad time.

Southport lowered the club flag to half mast as a mark of respect and held a minutes silence in respect of their former player of the year.

Fred had initially joined Liverpool upon leaving school and after turning professional was reserve to Ron Yeates. After 68 games in the Central League side he was originally transfer listed at £5000. The fee was reduced to £1000 by the Football League when he signed for Southport in August 1965. He immediately displaced the experienced Terry Morrall and played in all 45 remaining games of 1965-66. The following season, an injury at Newport prevented him from being involved in the final promotion push, having to watch his team mates achieve promotion whilst he watched on from the sidelines on crutches. Undeterred, he was a commanding figure in the Third Division, being elected “Player of the Year” in 1967-68 when he was an ever-present.

He followed Billy Bingham to Plymouth early in the 1968-69 season, and his move caused an outcry amongst supporters who not only felt the £6,750 fee undervalued him but still resented Bingham’s move.

Injury disrupted his progress and Home Park and he joined Tranmere in an exchange deal involving Jimmy Hinch. After 85 appearances at Tranmere he was granted a free transfer and rejoined Southport initially on a three month trial which later turned into a year’s contract.

After leaving Southport he spent two years in the Northern Premier League and had spells in the West cheshire League before managing Poulton Victoria between 1980 and 1984. After a four year break he managed Sunday side FC George for a further 6 1/2 years.