As the FIFA World Cup comes to a close on July 19, Freshet News takes a look at a New Westminster soccer legend.
Errol Crossan was a right winger who played professionally in England.
But before he left for Manchester City in 1954 — and got a fond farewell, complete with a new suitcase and umbrella for his U.K. trip — Crossan played three seasons with the New Westminster Royals, from 1951–52 and 1953–54, helping the team to win the league title in the former season, as well as the Canadian championship in 1953.
That year, the Royals won the North American trophy, besting the Chicago Falcons.
In England, Crossan also played for Gillingham, Southend United, Norwich City and Leyton Orient.
He returned to Canada to play for Toronto City then back to B.C. with the Pacific Coast League for a season with the Royals and Vancouver Columbus FC, which took the Canadian title in 1964.
The Canadian Soccer Hall of Famer finished his career in New West.
This image, snapped in New Westminster on Jan. 5, 1954, is from the Frank Goodship fonds.
NEW WESTMINSTER ARCHIVES IHP9266-0788