Former Mossley full-back Don Megson, who went on to become one of Sheffield Wednesday’s greatest players, has died at the age of 86.
Don was club captain at Hillsborough where he played 442 times for the Owls and skippered the side in the 1966 FA Cup final and five years earlier helped his side finish runners-up to the legendary Tottenham double-winning team for the First Division title.
However, it was at Mossley where the 16-year-old cut his teeth in the semi-professional game.
Don joined elder brother Cyril at Seel Park where the striker scored 94 goals in 219 games for the Lilywhites between 1951/58 and he was the club’s leading marksman for three consecutive seasons.
And the brothers’ father Arthur also played for Mossley in the late 1920s as the family had strong links to the club.
But it was a short stay at Seel Park for Don as, after only two appearances in 1952/53 season in the Cheshire County League, Don was signed by Wednesday manager Eric Taylor.
Don had to be patient playing for Wednesday’s A team and reserves and it was not until 1959 that manager Harry Catterick handed him his first-team debut.
He was a regular for more than a decade in a successful Wednesday team before eventually signing in 1970 for Bristol Rovers where he became manager between 1972/77.
Don later coached Portland Timbers in the North American Soccer League between 1978/1980 and later coached at AFC Bournemouth.
Sons Gary and Neil also played and managed professionally while Don worked as a scout for Bolton Wanderers when son Gary was manager.