Coaching pupils of Dickie recall his matter-of-fact advice

Following the death this week of legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird, those who knew him in his coaching days in Devon reminisce about his unique style. Conrad Sutcliffe reports

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FORMER Westcountry students coached by world-famous cricket umpire Dickie Bird nearly 60 years ago, have been sharing memories of him following his death at the age of 92.

Bird, who played professionally for Yorkshire then Leicestershire between 1953-1964, enjoyed a long umpiring career over 27 seasons that included three World Cup finals, 66 Test matches and 69 one-day internationals.

Before taking-up umpiring, Bird was the cricket coach at Plymouth College between 1965-1967. He played club cricket for Paignton at the same time.

"Those were happy, relaxed times for me," said Bird in his 1997 autobiography Dickie Bird. "I enjoyed coaching the schoolboys so much I went in for the advanced coaching certificate. Receiving that award was as thrilling as playing for Yorkshire - and winning my Leicestershire cap."