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Gordon Morrish, Headingley Rugby Voices: T.L. Williams

I was lucky to see Roy Francis’ team grace Headingley in the sixties, who swept everything before them in the most wonderful style.

What is not so well known but is confirmed by the players is that the real star behind the rise of the side was T.L. Williams, who came up to play for Leeds from Wales post-war.

He was the man behind the throne, the trainer who took the players, especially the young ones, to new heights of fitness and agility, which gave Francis who was the tactician the material to work with. Williams has never really had the credit he deserves, he was always a bachelor and used to live in a flat in Cardigan Road just round the corner from the ground.

He was always at Headingley, he lived and breathed for the Leeds Rugby League Club. He was always only ever known by his initials, people just referred to him as ‘T.L.’.

One of the finest to benefit was Mick Shoebottom, whose career was so tragically cut short. He would have broken every record in the book, he could do everything - even act like a second row forward if you wanted him to.

His perception of the game was uncanny, the kind of talent that you can’t coach - it’s in your genes.

Gordon Morrish

Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.

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Memory added on October 22, 2012

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