HYDE United will join Macclesfield in paying tribute to former manager Peter Wragg following his death on Christmas Day.
Also fondly remembered at Stalybridge Celtic, where he won the club’s first ever title in the 1979/80 season by leading them to the Cheshire League, he was truly one of life’s characters.
And two of the clubs he graced the dugouts of, particularly the Northern Premier League Premier Division’s runway leaders, will show their respects ahead of facing each other on New Year’s Day.
Droylsden native Peter is remembered at Ewen Fields for leading the Tigers on a memorable FA Cup run in the 1983/84 season, culminating in first round tie at Burnley in November 1983 – the first time the club reached that stage for 29 years.
Hyde lost 2-0 but Wragg also lead Hyde to an NPL Cup Final v South Liverpool at Manchester City’s old Maine Road ground at the end of that season and a fourth-placed finish 12 months later after leading for most of the campaign.
Peter left Hyde in March 1986 to be replaced by his good friend and Tigers legend, Pete O’Brien.
However, he soon took on the managerial role at Macclesfield Town and led them to a treble-winning season in 1986/87, ironically clinching the NPL title at Hyde.
He the Silkmen to the 1989 FA Trophy final before returning to Stalybridge, where in 1993 he saved them from relegation from the Conference.
After leaving management, Peter would often be seen at Sir Alex Ferguson’s elbow, handing him the Premier League Trophy as part of his role with a PR company.
Ahead of the minute’s applause before kick-off, Hyde United said: “The Hyde United board is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former Manager, Peter Wragg.
“On behalf of everyone involved at Hyde United, we send our deepest sympathies to Peter’s family and friends.
“As we are playing Macclesfield this New Year’s Day, we intend to pay our respects to Peter with a minute’s applause prior to kick off.”
A spokesperson for Macclesfield added: “Macclesfield FC are deeply saddened to learn that legendary former Manager Peter Wragg passed away on Christmas Day.
“A colossal figure within the history of our club and non-league football more widely, Peter joined the Silkmen in March 1986.
“Overseeing a Northern Premier League treble-winning season in 1987, Peter went on to lead his side out at Wembley two years later.
“A genius in masterminding cup upsets, Peter was an enigmatic figure who paved the way for our promotion to the Football League in 1997 under Sammy McIlroy.
“Peter leaves a vibrant legacy and will remain engrained in the hearts and minds of so many of us forevermore.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Peter’s family at this incredibly sad time.”