Brian Close

Died today having reached the grand age of 84...In an age when Helmets and most of the protection nowadays was unheard of, he was the bravest fielder I have ever seen. I remember watching him on Black and White TV having his body hammered black and blue batting against a great West Indies attack. Closey made his England debut in late July 1948 and was brought back for one Test early July 1976. An amazing span of time that, a man for me who was a great Captain in all forms of Cricket. He was criticised in Yorkshire though but there again many are. BC was one of those Cricketers who toured South Africa and Rhodesia for private teams, that also attracted criticism. Brian also played in the Football League (13 matches in total including one for Arsenal) plus also England U18s). RIP

I was lucky enough to meet the great man once. He said "Hello" to me which as he was one of my boyhood heroes (the image on the front page of the Daily Sketch with his bruises after Hall and Griffith got after him was a winner) was very welcome.

RiP you tough old Yorkie Tyke.

My circle of friends are all football (80's/90's, some have been involved in nonsense). I have always loved cricket and i'm not sure they really understand the game. Brian Close is an English hero. RIP. ****ing legend.