Malcolm Alker

Malcolm Alker (born 4 November 1978) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played as a hooker. He spent his entire professional career with the Salford City Reds, making over 350 appearances between 1997 and 2010. He also served as the club's captain for many years.

Background

Malcolm Alker was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England.

Career

Alker started his junior career with Orrell St James before moving to Wigan St Patricks. He joined the Salford Reds in May 1997, and he made his début later that year against the Sheffield Eagles.

In 2000, Alker captained Salford City Reds for the first time at the age of 21 in the absence of regular captain Darren Brown.

Alker played his entire professional rugby league career at Salford City Reds. He has represented Lancashire and England.

In August 2010, Alker announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season, but would remain at the club in a coaching role.

Malcolm started the 2011 season as assistant coach to Shaun McRae at Salford City Reds but his future at the club hung in the balance due to being dismissed from a training session in April. The club did not clarify the reasons for his dismissal at the time.

Alker has admitted use of cocaine, and banned growth hormones during his playing days.

Testimonial match

Alker reached his testimonial year with Salford City Reds in 2006. His testimonial match took place during the 2007 pre-season against the Wigan Warriors, which the Warriors won 20–15.

Imprisonment

Alker was sentenced to four years imprisonment on 12 January 2018 for the armed robbery of a KFC restaurant and a Tesco Express store in Wigan on 31 October 2017.