Hull FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Charlie Birdsall (#747).
The back-rower made 66 appearances for the club between 1979 and 1981.
Joining the club following the start of the 1979 season from Rochdale, Birdsall was a near ever-present in the side that year following his transfer, making 36 appearances and scoring eight tries that season.
He was also a member of the side that claimed the 1979 BBC 2 Floodlit Trophy, coming off the bench to score the last try in the final against Hull KR at the Boulevard.
His contributions helped FC to finish third in the 1979/80 season – the highest placing any newly promoted side to the top division has ever achieved in the year after their legendary ‘Invincibles’ campaign in the second tier.
Birdsall also played in the 1980 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium – he would make a further 30 appearances for the club the following season, and was an unused substitute in the 1981 Premiership Final.
Along with several other Hull players, Birdsall joined Carlisle the following year, before returning to Rochdale two seasons later, retiring at the end of the 1985/86 campaign.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Charlie’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Charlie.
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