Career
Blan was the Lions" astute captain during much of his service with the club leading them to their two successive First Division Championships of 1962-1963 and 1963-1964. Blan was also a skilled place kicker whether a penalty or a conversion. Initially a fullback, until the late 1950s he usually played in the centre, id est (that is) number 3 or 4, but as he lost pace he successfully moved to loose forward/lock, id est (that is) number 13, where his leadership and notable quick thinking football brain sparked off many a try scoring movement.
Many Swinton fans often referred to him as "Brainy Blan", and with very good reason.
International honours
Championship appearances
Albert Blan played, and was captain in Swinton"s victory in the Championship during the 1962-1963 season, and the Championship during the 1963-1964 season. These were also the only two seasons between the 1905-1906 season and the 1972-1973 season in which a playoff wasn"t used to determine the Championship winners.
County League appearances
Albert Blan played, and was captain in Swinton"s victory in the Lancashire League during the 1960-1961 season. County Cup final appearances
Albert Blan played loose forward/lock, and was captain in Swinton"s 9-15 defeat by Saint Helens in the 1960 Lancashire Cup final during the 1960-1961 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 29 October 1960, played loose forward/lock, and was captain in the 9-25 defeat by Saint Helens in the 1961 Lancashire Cup final during the 1961-1962 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 11 November 1961, and played loose forward/lock, and was captain in the 4-7 defeat by Saint Helens in the 1962 Lancashire Cup final during the 1962-1963 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 27 October 1962.
Albert Blan was the younger brother of both Wigan, and Salford rugby league loose forward/lock, Jackie Blan, and rugby league football player, Billy Blan.
Albert Blan died in Chorley Hospital on Sunday, 27 September 2015 aged 85 years.
