Wigan Album

Johnny Thomas was one of the first to welcome a fellow Welshman, my father, to Wigan in 1938, after dad had signed his 10 year contract. Johnny had an illustrious career with Wigan but warned, just like Jim Sullivan, make sure you "look after your money". Johnny had been landlord of a very successful pub but probably hadn't followed his own advice carefully enough.

Didn't he keep the Royal Oak?

Hi Neal, yes I believe that was the case and my father (he himself a Wigan landlord for nearly 25 years) mentioned more than once what great trade the pub generated. I think perhaps Johnny's attention was more focused on Central Park, so unlike the great international footballer he undoubtedly was, he maybe didn't keep his eye on the ball when it came to the pub trade.

Johnny Thomas was my gramps uncle. This is the first picture I’ve seen. We don’t have much info about him apart from his rugby career.

Husbands Grandparents Jack and Florence Davies had the Royal Oak in the 60's/70's. Jack's uncle was Johnny Thomas. Johnny and his other nephew Gwynne (and Jack) came from Bridgend, South Wales. Johnny used to live in Upper Dicconson Street at one time.