RIP Bernard Wallbank

I am sure that I am not the only Southport FC supporter from the early 1960s who will be sad to learn of the death of Bernard Wallbank who died on 17th December at Preston Royal Infirmary.

Bernard, who was 81, made only one Football League appearance but went on to Have a long and distinguished career in the Lancashire Combination scoring more than 100 goals.

Bernard Frederick Wallbank was born in Preston on 11th November 1943. Although he attended a rugby playing school, he played for St Andrews in the Preston and District League before joining Southport as a 16-year-old, appearing in the “A” team. When still only 17 he gained a place in the Reserve team in August 1961. There he made an immediate impression. The following month he gave a “Man of the Match” performance against Lytham. The Southport Visiter reported that “His distribution of the ball and ball control were a joy to see, and his two goals were right off the top shelf”.

A tall, well-built centre or inside-forward with a cowboy gait his 21 goals in 1961/62 included hattricks against Prescot Cables and Padiham – in the latter game the Reserves beat their East Lancashire opponents 10-0 away.

Bernard’s only Football League game at home to Barrow on 21st April 1962 when he was surprisingly preferred to Reg Blore who earlier in the season had been capped by Wales at under 23 level. His selection was not a success although he had bad luck when he hit the upright with a great drive. Bernard was signed as a part-time professional in August 1962 but within two months his contract had been cancelled by mutual consent. He went on to give Clitheroe six seasons excellent service scoring 87 goals in 207 games before joining Horwich RMI for whom I saw him make his last appearance at Haig Avenue against Southport Reserves on 30th Match 1968. His football career ended after he broke his leg while playing just six games for West Lancashire League outfit, Longridge United.

MPB