Noel White

Noel White BEM (born 16 December 1929) is a retired businessman, football club chairman, director and administrator from the North West of England. He is one of the founding architects of The Premier League and is Life Vice President of The Football Association.

Business

White and Swales

White and Swales Ltd was founded in Altrincham by Noel White and Peter Swales in 1955. They initially sold Sheet Music, Records, Musical Instruments and Accessories before moving into the flourishing market of television rentals. They had by this time opened a total 15 branches in Cheshire and South Manchester.

Bowdon Hotel

Following the sale of White and Swales, Noel moved onto run and own the Bowdon Hotel in Altrincham. Following major extensions and improvements this brought the hotel a 3 star rating which it still has. White went onto sell the Bowdon Hotel in 1986. It is currently operated under the Mercure Hotels banner.

Football

Altrincham F.C.

Noel White first came to football prominence, when he and fellow businessman, Peter Swales took over Altrincham Football Club in February 1961. At the time Altrincham F.C. were struggling at the foot of The Cheshire County Football League and on the verge of bankruptcy. White and Swales had read a passionate letter in the local newspaper from 11-year-old Brian Lomax. White was Vice-Chairman of Altrincham F.C until 1967, when Peter Swales moved onto become a director at Manchester City F.C.. White then became Chairman of Altrincham F.C. for 19 years before becoming a director of Liverpool Football Club in 1986. During his tenure as Chairman, he and his board turned Altrincham from nobodies into one of the leading clubs outside The Football League. Upon leaving Altrincham F.C. in 1986 White was appointed club President a position he still holds. He is also President of the Evo Stik Northern Premier League and a life member of The Football Conference.

Noel White (rugby league)

Noel White (born 1923) is an Australian former rugby league footballer. He is one of only seven players to have represented New South Wales, Queensland and Australia in a 12-month period.

He played club football in New South Wales for Kurri Kurri, in Brisbane for Wests Panthers and in Townsville for Centrals ASA. In 1947 he captain-coached Centrals to their third Townsville first grade premiership.

In 2010 White was named on the wing in Kurri Rugby League Club's team of the century. He is the oldest living Australian international.

References