Career
Gregory masterminded the downfall of the great Wigan side that had visited Wembley eight times. Wigan were favourites in the quarter final at The Willows, Salford, Gregory had different ideas and his side ended the 8-year stronghold Wigan had on the Challenge Cup. Salford were then beaten by Saint Helens in the semi-final.
Gregory"s team made three Challenge Cup Semi Final appearances but never quite stepped up to reach the Wembley Final, the most memorable being at Headingley Stadium against Sheffield Eagles, with minutes to go Salford were in charge of the game, Gregory decided to replace Cliff Eccles and Andy Platt in the front row, this proved to be his tactical downfall as Sheffield Eagles went on to score tries in the very gaps that the two strong front rowers had left in the defensive line.
Eccles held the record at Salford for most consecutive appearances by a forward at 103 without missing a game over four seasons including Super League and Challenge Cup Games. Cliff left Salford before the start of the 2000 season to join former Salford player turned coach Mike Gregory in his first coaching role at Swinton Lions.
Eccles stayed with Gregory at Swinton for one season and then joined Widnes Vikings with Colin Whitfield as head coach. After one season Eccles retired from the game with damaged knee ligaments.