I feel very blessed to have worked with Alan at Sharks for 9 years. He was a humble man who was probably unaware of just how much he was loved and respected. Alan always looked out for me and would always give his time...and very occasionally a bit of kit! :) Ha ha! Pre match, I discovered the quickest way to get the kettle on was to turn up in the kit room with a packet of biscuits, the kettle would be on in no time and we’d chat, do our match predictions while we got the last few bits ready for the game. Alan was great company. He was kind, genuine, reliable, friendly and always showed great humility. He loved his rugby but his greatest pride was his family. His face would light up as he talked about his daughters and grandchildren. They were his greatest joy. I miss that time spent together. Rest in peace Alan, whilst the Earth is a lesser place without you, heaven must be rejoicing. My thoughts and prayers are with your beloved family and the whole Sharks community. Rest in peace Bleasy x Julie Loynd

“Big Al” I will always think of you with special love and pride. Your sister Caroline xxx

I think that the measure of a meaningful life is the love that is left behind when they are gone. In my dearest of friends Alan, we feel so lucky to be able to see that measure. A collective outpouring of grief has filled our social media timelines and that has given a great deal of comfort to my wife Jo, & my sister-in-law Beccy. People tend to eulogise about the best possible version of someone at these times and of course, that is exactly how it should always be. But Alan was ALWAYS his best possible version. He never had a bad word to say about anyone, ANYONE! He would never be drawn into gossip or slander. He never sought out the limelight and was never comfortable being the centre of attention. It is no coincidence that the best photos of Alan are the ones that he was totally unaware of. That makes us smile. He always had a glass of wine waiting when I arrived in Manchester each week. It was always topped up to the brim when I neared the bottom of the glass. (Jo and I will always call that a Dad / Alan measure. That also makes us smile). His company kept me going through the dark times and sped me with ease through the good. A brunch before work, or a beer at the Brook afterwards, Man! I am going to miss those times the most. The things that made Alan really happy weren't material, they were his daughters and his grandkids, Koby, Chloe & Belle. We all miss him terribly and although time will heal the hurt, the love he brought into the lives of ANYONE he ever met will never fade. I'll miss you mate.