George was a Cambridge Blue who played for the famous Pegasus team who won the Amateur Cup twice in the early 1950s in front of 100,000 at Wembley and a lecturer in Russian at Liverpool Polytechnic. George was the official Interpreter for the Russian World Cup team in 1966 and then for Manchester United player, Andre Kanchelskis and French player, Eric Cantona.

The Mightly Mariners book quoted a Crosby Herald article about George as follows:
"George Scanlan's earnestness, enthusiasm and determination has spread through the Marine team in a very short space of time. The players know and appreciate his capabilities and willingly give their utmost on the field. The spirit is riding high. In fact, it is many years since anyone can recall a similar atmosphere."

George's favourite memory was the FA Amateur Cup replay against Dagenham on February 17th 1968. Although Marine were beaten 3-4 after extra time, the game is considered one of the most exciting, if not the most exciting, in Marine's history.

His career and demands on his ability as a Russian interpreter meant that he could no longer find the time to manage Marine and in 1970 he was succeeded by Harry Boyle. However, his legacy was that he laid the foundation for what was to be a very successful era for Marine.

George was well liked and loved by former players and supporters alike and a place in Marine's history will be a permanent reminder of him and of the respect with which he was and always will be regarded so highly. He always had time for every supporter who spoke to him. He was a natural communicator whose positive energy was
Inspirational and infectious. George welcomed the formation of the RPMA, the first Marine supporters' club in 1968. He will be sadly missed but remembered fondly by the Marine family who are old enough and privileged to have known him."

There will be a tribute to George prior to next Saturday's home game with Spennymoor Town, when his son David and family members will be in attendance as guests of the club.

We will provide funeral details when available and extend our deepest sympathy to George's family at this sad time.

Photo shows George (far left) with the 1968-69 team, winners of the Liverpool Senior Non-League and Lancashire Combination Cups.