The Great Britain international wore the primrose and blue jersey for three successful seasons under Alex Murphy and played a starring role in the Challenge Cup Final triumph against Featherstone Rovers at Wembley in 1974.

Kevin Ashcroft, left, and John Bevan celebrating the Challenge Cup Final success at Wembley in 1974 (Image: Newsquest)

Later he became Warrington coach and led them to a Lancashire Cup Final success against St Helens, while also steering them to a third-place finish in the Championship table the following season.

‘Ashy’ also played for Dewsbury, Rochdale Hornets, Leigh and Salford, also coaching at the latter two in two different spells. He ended his coaching career at Blackpool Panthers in 2005.

Also known for his no-nonsense and characterful punditry with BBC Radio Manchester’s live coverage and post-match listener debates, he was inducted into the Warrington Players’ Association Hall of Fame in 2010 in honour of his service.

Kevin Ashcroft, left, receiving his Hall of Fame certificate in 2010 alongside Ken Kelly, George Thornton, Alex Murphy and Dave Chisnall (Image: Newsquest)

Ashcroft, born in Newton-le-Willows in 1944, started his professional career with Dewsbury in 1964 and had a stint with Rochdale before his first link-up with Murphy at Leigh in 1967.

There, Ashcroft featured in one of Leigh’s greatest successes, their Challenge Cup Final victory over hot favourites Leeds at Wembley.

Five days later, Murphy took charge at Warrington but did not achieve sustained success until he signed Ashcroft for £7,000 in the summer of 1972 and made him vice-captain.

Kevin Ashcroft (Image: Newsquest)

“Our supporters wanted a top-class hooker,” said Warrington chairman Ossie Davies.

“So we bought them the best. Kevin is a brilliant player and will ensure our backs see plenty of the ball.”

Kevin Ashcroft on the attack towards the Railway End at Wilderspool Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

With Ashcroft at their heart, Warrington won the League Leaders’ Shield in 1972-73 but had no luck in the cup competitions.

All that changed the following season as The Wire collected the Captain Morgan Trophy, the Player’s No6 Trophy, the Challenge Cup and the Club Championship.

Ashcroft was the man of the match in the Player’s No6 Trophy Final, after winning the scrum battle 15-5 to supply his teammates with plenty of possession.

Kevin Ashcroft, right, enjoying great times with The Wire alongside Parry Gordon after the Players No6 Trophy Final success (Image: Newsquest)

Typically, he gave his £25 prize to the Wigan groundsman in thanks for the hard work he had done on the pitch after a morning downpour.

‘Ashy’ scored the first try as The Wire beat Featherstone Rovers 24-9 in May 1974 to win the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

Kevin Ashcroft, second from right, celebrating the 1974 Challenge Cup Final success at Wembley with his teammates and son Gary, who was the team’s mascot that day (Image: Newsquest)

Kevin Ashcroft at a parade of Warrington’s 1974 Challenge Cup Final winning squad at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)

At the end of the 1973-74 season, Ashcroft went on his second tour to Australia and collected his sixth Great Britain cap.

He continued to produce international form throughout the 1974-75 season as Warrington reached two more finals, against Salford in the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy and against Widnes in the Challenge Cup.

Kevin Ashcroft in the 1975 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley (Image: Newsquest)

Ashcroft also became the first Warrington player to kick a one-point drop goal, against Widnes in an 8-8 draw at Wilderspool, in August 1974.

The return trip to Wembley, however, was Ashcroft’s last match as a Warrington player before he became Leigh’s player-coach in June 1975.

He then spent a season back at Rochdale before he linked up with Murphy again at Salford in August 1978 before serving as Warrington coach from 1982-84.

After replacing Billy Benyon as Wire coach, he guided his men to a comprehensive 16-0 victory over St Helens in the 1982 Lancashire Cup Final at Central Park.

The following season, he masterminded Warrington’s rise to third place in the Championship, topped only by the two Hull clubs.

He helped to bring through a number of young players at the club and was the coach who signed future Wire skipper and rugby league legend Mike Gregory.

Kevin Ashcroft, right, when he signed Mike Gregory for Warrington (Image: Newsquest)

His 18-year playing career took in five clubs and almost 600 appearances, including nine for Great Britain and four for Lancashire.

‘Ashy’ was 60 when be brought his coaching career to an end at Blackpool Panthers in 2005.

Kevin Ashcroft’s Warrington playing record:

First game: 20/08/1972

Last game: 10/05/1975

Appearances: 123 starts, 1 substitute

Tries: 20

One of Kevin Ashcroft’s 20 Wire tries (Image: Newsquest)

Goals: 0

Drop goals: 23

Points: 101