Scunthorpe United is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Andy Mullen, at the age of 94.
Born in Newcastle, the winger first went to Aston Villa before returning to Tyneside soon after, representing South Shields and Annfield Plain before being spotted by the then-Workington manager Bert Flatley.
Andy played in the Reds' first-ever Football League game in 1951 after they successfully were elected into the Division Three North and had been the oldest surviving member of the team's Football League days since 2021.
He was part of the side that went to Anfield to play Liverpool in an FA Cup tie, with the hosts winning narrowly 1-0 in a more than respectable performance which saw an equaliser ruled out as the final whistle was blown. Such was the success of the side on the day, Workington's directors awarded the players a £4 win bonus, something that was not permitted at the time.
Tunbridge Wells would be Mullen's next move following two years at Workington, and two years further down the line he would get a second shot at Football League football when he signed for Scunthorpe in 1955.
The move earned Workington £1,000, but Mullen would be restricted to just ten appearanes during his time at the Old Show Ground over the course of his two-year stay following a cartilage problem that required an operation. Nine of those appearances came in 1955-56 where he'd score one goal in the 2-2 draw against Southport before his final appearance for the club came in the following campaign when United beat Rochdale 1-0 at home in February 1957.
Following his time at the club, he would go on to play Goole Town, where he would finish his career.
He would remain in Scunthorpe following his playing days for the club and was a regular attendee to both the Old Show Ground and Glanford Park to support the Iron while he was still fit and able.
Andy passed away earlier this month on April 7th.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time.