It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Alan Shoulder, one of Bishop Auckland’s greatest footballing sons, aged 71.
Alan was signed by Bishops’ Manager Arnold Bell in 1972 and quickly established himself at Kingsway. The Bishops’ finished as Northern League runners up in Alan’s first term and he went on to play a pivotal role for 6 seasons. Alan was Bishops’ top scorer for 3 consecutive campaigns and was made Club captain for 1976-77. A move to Blyth Spartans was next and he scored the winning goal on his debut in December 1977.
Alan would then play an integral part of that never to be forgotten FA Cup run when the Spartans overcame Stoke City before succumbing to Wrexham in a 5th round replay at St James’ Park.
After 48 games for the Croft Park outfit, Alan then moved to Newcastle United on a professional contract, finally leaving the pit behind. He made no less than 117 appearances and scored 38 goals for the ‘Magpies’ before leaving in the summer of 1982, moving across the Pennines to Carlisle United.
In his first season at Brunton Park, Alan was voted player of the year and overall made 112 appearances before his final professional stint at Hartlepool United. Alan continued to play and of course managed several clubs including the Bishops’ in 2002, where he was in charge when the Club left its spiritual home of Kingsway.
Alan was a highly respected footballer and a much loved figure in the region and we will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alan’s family and many friends. RIP Alan.
There will be a minute’s silence before the home game on Saturday where we can all pay our respects to the great man.
Pictured bottom row, second from the right (1972/73).