Former Rugby Football League chief executive Maurice Lindsay has died aged 81.
Lindsay, who masterminded Wigan's revival in the 1980s as chairman, was also instrumental in the creation of Super League in 1996. He also enjoyed a stint as team manager of the Great Britain team.
And his sporting interests delved beyond rugby league, with Lindsay also a former chairman of football club Preston North End. But it was his exploits in the oval game for which he became renowned, overseeing a new era in the sport.
Under his stewardship, Wigan became one of the first sides to turn professional in the league, and then between 1987 and 1996 won eight titles and nine Challenge Cups. The club paid tribute with a released statement this morning.
"Lindsay joined Wigan in 1980 and went on to lead the Club through a period of transformation which included winning eight consecutive Challenge Cups. He was responsible for recruiting some of the biggest names in Wigan’s history including Ellery Hanley, Brett Kenny and Martin Offiah.
"Lindsay was respected and admired throughout the world of Rugby League and will be forever remembered as a visionary – proposing the Super League which changed the face of Rugby League forever.
"He also served on the board of Wigan Athletic under Dave Whelan and was Chairman of Preston North End for a short period of time. Wigan Warriors sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maurice at this very sad time."
Lindsay also became the Chief Executive of the RFL in 1992, proposing the Super League, which eventually replaced the First Division Championship. In 1996, he also became Chairman of the Rugby League International Board.
He would later return to Wigan, overseeing yet another Challenge Cup win, whilst the side reached the finals of the Super League in 2000, 2001 and 2003. However, they were runners up on each occasion.
"He was a truly unique character," RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer told the BBC. "He will be remembered as one of the most significant leaders in the sport's history.
"The strength of his personality was critical in their [Wigan's] emergence as arguably the greatest club side of all-time in this country," Rimmer added. "One which dominated domestically and flourished internationally, and whose impact extended well beyond rugby league.
"Then when he moved to the game's central administration at the RFL, he was the leading figure in driving through the inception of the Super League in 1996, which genuinely transformed the sport."
