Tigers pay tribute to Jack Fulton
Following the news on Tuesday that Castleford Tigers chairman Jack Fulton had passed away, figures associated with the Tigers have paid tribute to the man and his legacy.
It has been an important week in the club’s history, with the final obstacle in the way of planning permission overcome for the construction of a new stadium at Five Towns Park.
The club’s 2014 accounts also showed a £445,000 profit, a huge turnaround from being in special measures in 2013.
Those events have made the passing of Jack Fulton even more poignant.
“Jack Fulton lived a wonderful life,” said Tigers CEO Steve Gill, who spent time with Mr Fulton on the morning of his death, according to his club’s official website.
“He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a beautiful family, possibly bigger than he dare ever imagine. He loved Castleford Tigers, he loved our fans and appreciated everyone’s efforts,
“Jack’s loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have had Jack in our lives. He was my great friend, my shoulder, my inspiration.
“His life, his memory, and his love will live on in the story of Castleford Tigers. Jack doesn’t leave the Tigers when he dies, he leaves when we die. “
Paul Burns-Williamson from the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club also had very fond recollections of Mr Fulton.
“Jack was a supporter of our great club,” he said.
“His financial support in good and bad times gave us the fans the opportunity to follow the Tigers, which Jack knew meant so much to so many people.
“Without Jack and the commitment of his family the very existence of the club would have been in severe danger.
“We had the great pleasure of meeting Jack in the last 10 years at our annual ‘Meet the Directors’ events. He always listened but let other directors do the talking.
“The one thing that we did know from the meetings was that Jack cared intensely for the club. It is very fitting that Jack got to lead the team out at Wembley last year.”
Tigers head coach Daryl Powell hailed the work that Fulton had done during his life for the club.
“I would like to pay tribute to Jack, an outstanding man who’s done so much for Castleford Tigers over many years,” he said.
“Even when Jack was very poorly it was obvious how engaging and endearing he was as a person. He’ll be sadly missed by everyone at the club and my thoughts are with the Fulton family at this difficult time.”
Club captain Michael Shenton also expressed his deep sadness at Mr Fulton’s passing at the age of 83.
“Jack was great man, and I know that everyone who knew him will be deeply saddened by his passing,” he said.
“Castleford Tigers wouldn’t be where it is today without him. Sticking by the club through thick and thin showed his commitment to the club he loved.
“Mine and all the players thoughts go out to Bridie and Jack’s family at this tough time and also our appreciation for what Jack and the rest of the Fulton family has done for myself and the club.”