Salford Red Devils supporters have paid touching tributes to a devoted mascot organiser, who worked with the club for over thirty years before his death.
For more than three decades, few people embodied the spirit of the Salford Red Devils quite like Albert Wheeldon. Quietly devoted and driven by a love for helping children feel part of something bigger, Albert Wheeldon became a central figure in the club’s community identity, says David Clegg, writer for Salford Red Devils.
According to writer and long-time club volunteer David Clegg, Albert didn’t grow up with rugby. His interest began in his teenage years when he accompanied a friend to a training session.
Though nothing came of the trial, it sparked Wheeldon’s interest in rugby, and Albert began attending first-team matches and soon found himself drawn into Salford’s expanding community efforts.
Albert’s involvement deepened when he befriended Lou, a key member of staff helping establish a new section of the club dedicated to young supporters: The Junior Red Devils. The initiative aimed to get local children familiar with the team and the matchday atmosphere in hopes of creating lifelong supporters.
Junior Red Devils sessions were often arranged to coincide with first-team training so children could watch players warm up, meet them afterwards, and collect autographs. Albert helped make these moments run smoothly, ensuring every child felt welcome, safe, and excited. David recounted:
“Their safety, their well-being, their happiness… that was the most important thing to Albert.”
In around 1990, Albert assumed the role of Mascot Organiser, a role he would dedicate himself to for more than 30 years. As mascot organiser, Albert handled everything, from contacting families to coordinating the draw, preparing children for their big moment, and making sure each child felt at home.
Clegg’s son, Jonathan, worked closely with Wheeldon the day he was chosen as a mascot. David said:
“You just handed them over to Albert. He looked after the kids so well, took them under his care… He made them feel comfortable in the club.”
Albert consistently put the children first, Clegg said. Every matchday mascot experience shared the same structure, but Albert ensured each child’s moment felt unique.
Over the decades, Albert’s impact became quietly enormous. Former mascots and parents of mascots shared their stories online about how he made their first experience on a professional pitch unforgettable after Salford Red Devils announced his death:
On social media, Salford supporter Andy Lancashire said: “My two boys were mascots in ’96 when Salford beat Wigan in the CC [Challenge Cup]. Albert was lovely with them and really made sure they had a great time!” With John Wilkinson commenting on Facebook:
“Great Salford supporter and a lovely, genuine Gentleman who gave such a commitment to make the occasion of our youngsters the Mascot of the day a real experience they will never forget.”
Clegg describes Albert as someone who didn’t seek praise or recognition: “He won’t have been thinking about how proud he felt—though he probably was, subconsciously. He simply put the children first. If you don’t do that, you’re not doing a good job. And Albert always put them first.”
Albert’s passing left a noticeable void within the club, said David. Staff, players, and supporters come and go, Clegg reflects, but fans and people like Albert are the true constants.
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