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'Mr Coppull United'
For the past 30 years, Bert Wilkinson has played a key role at Coppull United FC – both on and off the pitch.
But so deep is his love for watching the club that he wants his ashes to be scattered on the pitch when he dies.
Nicknamed 'Mr Coppull United', Bert has helped his team rise from the Preston and District League to the West Lancashire Premier Division.
Not only has he been the club's President but he has helped behind closed doors by being the major sponsor with E&H Baxendale and Sons.
Coppull now boasts first-class facilities and its own ground, but in the early days the team could only afford to play on a pitch at a local park.
Bert said: "I love the club and I love going down there and watching the football.
"It's my local side and there is a nice family feel down there.
"It's great to help keep the kids off the street and to see the club progress over the years."
Coppull United has always had a family spirit which is one of the things Bert revealed when speaking about captain Andrew Derbyshire.
He said: "I've known Andrew since he started here as a young kid.
"He's a lovely lad and is a hard worker for me.Mywife always calls him our second son!"
Dave Haughton, joint manager of Coppull United with Mick Crispin, played for the club for 20 years before joining the management team.
Dave said: "I have had the pleasure of being able to see what a great amount of work has been addressed at Coppull.
"A lot of this is down to the enthusiasm of Bert Wilkinson.
"Bert has managed to keep using local talent and keep youngsters off the street.
"I would like to thank Bert for all the tireless work he has put in to make Coppull United what we are today."
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
