He got "cleaned out" by Green Vigo (Oldham winger).
As PY says, he swallowed his tongue

Didn't bishop swallow his tongue on more than one occasion?

Hesford & Bevan, 2 of my all time Wire heroes

So, who from that team (assuming same fitness levels) would walk into our present team?

Yes+1 Knew them all.

The only player I can name is Phil Ford front row far right.
What year was this photo does anyone know?

Well technically he didn't because it's impossible.
But yes he got knocked out then he started convulsions on the pitch. Barrow ran on and physio and st John's. Someone hooked his tongue away from his throat passageway.
Was nerve shocking to watch.

Late 1970s would be my guess.

1977/78 because Fieldhouse didn't get into the 1st team until 79.

Where's JPG and Nicho?

So why is he on the first team photo?

Its later than the 70's, don't think Phil Ford signed until 1980.

Also not sure that is Case rather than Waller, if it was Case who was playing hooker?

Can't be 80s because Dave Chisnall re-signed and the 80/81 strip was white with the chevron.
The very latest it can be is 79/80
So perhaps we signed Fordy in early 1980 then that'll make it at 79/80 team. So it whether we class 79/80 as an 70s or 80s team...or both.

Phil Ford signed in 1981

OK. I can't remember clearly. In that is the case we must have played 80/81 in 2 strips??

It doesn't add up though. That must be no later than 80.

I'll wave the white flag here but it doesn't make sense because the 81 kit was white because I was ball boy in 81 with that very kit.

Could be, or is it Billy Pickup?

Think that's me in the background in the VP lounge by Tommy Martin's left ear. I used to sit there with my wife every match.

Far right is definitely Eddie Hunter

Cheers. Seen that many, my memory gets muddled.

Ford was definitely post Summer 1980.

On the "who'd walk into the current side" debate

Ken Kelly
Hesford (for kicking)
and definitely Bevan.
Eccles
I don't remember too much about Tommy Martin

Top player. My favourite backrower, a proper footballer, great hands. I don't think eventually we could afford his pay demand's and Leigh had money to burn.
He'd walk into our team now. I was at Wembley in 75 but at an age not to remember that much...so my first memory was him giving the Aussie tourist an exhibition of toughness and ball skill..my best memory was probably his last game or not far his last, winning the JPS.

Tommy Martyn was a class act.
Our loss was Leigh’s gain when he left at the end of the 1981 season.
Still can’t believe he left us.

So the pic must have been early 1981.

Might I be so bold as to post Question3),

When was Brian Bevan’s last try at Wilderspool?

Was this during his testimonial in the 1980s?

The testimonial was for John Bevan & not his father Brian.

In a 70's testimonial (don't know who's)

JB's testimonial was against Saints, straight after the end of the 82/3 season, where a Saints player scored first, this being the first four point try in the country ( I think)

RU

Here's a good Q?

Who scored Wires first 4 point try? (Competitive match)