Everyone at Salford received the news of the passing of our former stand-off half, Frank Cassidy, at such a relatively early age of 59, with the utmost sadness and surprise.
Frank had played for Salford between 1989 and 1993, at a time when his older brother, Terry, was the assistant coach at The Willows, and Frank was brought in, by recently appointed coach, Kevin Tamati, as a replacement for former halfback, Steve Kerry, who moved to the wing, with Frank making his debut in the club’s 36-2 win at Barrow, on 19th November ’89.
Surprisingly enough, he and Kerry were to form Salford’s first choice half back partnership, the following season, when Frank’s thoughtful approach, coupled with his undeniable rugby skills, complemented his partner’s speed, acceleration, and kicking game extremely well, and they became a much-respected duo throughout the sport.
His versatility also became evident when he filled in at loose forward, on four occasions.
The highlight of his time at The Willows came at the end of the 1990/91 season, when he featured in the 27-20 defeat of Halifax in the Second Division Championship Final, in the Double Header at Old Trafford, having, earlier in the season, been on the substitute’s bench for the heartbreaking 24-18, Lancashire Cup Final defeat to Widnes following Martin Offiah’s last minute try.
His final full season was that of 1991-2, when he featured rather less regularly, and in positions other than his favoured stand-off role, which comprised of loose-forward, hooker, and scrum-half, instead.
His final game was against Wigan in our home game, on 2nd February 1992, although he was selected on the bench, seven days later, in an away fixture at Wakefield, but without being utilised.
Tragically, his involvement in a car accident, in which he sustained a severe neck injury, brought his time at Salford to an end, although he did move on to play a small number of games for Rochdale Hornets, before retiring from the game.
All in all, he made 51 appearances for Salford with a further 14 from the bench. He scored 12 tries and 5 drop-goals, making a total of 53 points.
Our sincere condolences go out to Frank’s family and friends, at this sad time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMNTS
Graham Morris, Club Historian
Paul Whiteside – photograph
