This weekend Keith Fielding is a guest at the Salford Red Devils 2018 Season Launch. Supporters’ Trust member Paul Whiteside reminds us about the huge contribution Keith made to our beloved Club.

Keith Fielding signed for Salford for a fee of £8,500 from Moseley Rugby Union club in May 1973. Keith arrived with a real pedigree having been an England International at Rugby Union. Many supporters will say he’s the fastest player we’ve ever had and few could argue!

Super-fast off the mark and once in the clear few could get anywhere near him. Records tumbled in his debut season breaking a forty year old try scoring record with a phenomenal 46 tries! Also 1973 saw Keith make his Great Britain debut scoring a hat-trick against France in Grenoble earning him the nickname ‘Le Rapide’!

In 319 appearances for Salford – a fantastic return of 253 tries makes Keith go down as a Club Legend. His contributions in the Rugby league Championship wins of 1973/74 and 1975/76 we’re vital. Throughout that golden era for Salford in the mid 70s Keith must of had a fair few tries disallowed wrongly as he was that fast.

Keith played in Salford’s 0-0 draw with Warrington in the 1974/75 BBC 2 floodlit Trophy Final at The Willows on Tuesday 17 December 1974, and scored a try in the 10-5 victory in the Final replay at Wilderspool, Warrington on Tuesday 28 January 1975.

Towards the end of his rugby playing days he achieved national fame through his success in BBC television’s Superstars series.

Supporters still talk about Keith to this day and he is remembered very fondly for being part of that great side of the 70’s.

Have a great day Keith!