cancer in August 2006 at the age of 83. He had been on the club's board for 44 years (24 of them as chairman). His son Jimmy inherited his 24.28% stake in the club. In November 2016, Rowlinson's time as chairman was recalled during the early stages of the United Kingdom football sexual abuse scandal as newspapers reported on Crewe's initial management of allegations that Barry Bennell had sexually abused a junior footballer in the late 1980s. Bennell was allowed to stay at the club despite Rowlinson's recommendation that the club "get him out"; Rowlinson had sought police advice about Bennell and had been advised to "move him on". The Football Association's Sheldon Report, published in March 2021, identified failures to act adequately at clubs including Crewe. While Sheldon concluded senior Crewe people—Rowlinson, Bowler and other directors—had not received specific reports of abuse (a conclusion also reached by Cheshire constabulary), they had discussed concerns about inappropriate behaviour; the club "should have done more to check on the well-being of the boys", Sheldon said. Notes and References Sources Crisp, Marco (1998). Crewe Alexandra Match by Match (2nd ed.). Nottingham: Tony Brown. . Hornbrook, Jules (2000). The Gradi Years. Crewe. . 1923 births 2006 deaths Crewe Alexandra F.C. non-playing staff English football chairmen and investors