I went to see him "in concert" so to speak in Halifax in March ........The weather was terrible and there weren't many people turned up at all, but he stood on stage and entertained us with some great stories. I spent a few minutes talking to him at the end and I bought his book which he kindly signed for me. Thing that struck me was, for someone who has always come across as aggressive and forthright, he was really mellow and polite (one joke he told with a swear-word he immediately chastised himself when he realised there were a couple of women watching). He was very articulate and almost "soft" in the way he put some of his stories across. As I say, he had mellowed enormously. We didn't have a clue he was ill (it was announced a few days later) and he still came across as a big man with a great presence. One thing was obvious - he was very much in love with the game of cricket. I will miss this man.
that is avery nice sentiment sir....I respect you for this we do not allus see eye to eye me and thee, but I totally respect you,Sir,as a man for this.
I didn't know that your picture was Fred Trueman I certainly like the sentiment behnind retiring it, but may I suggest you keep using it ... as a sign of respect.
RE: my fred stories, at my age of 78,when i was a youngster,i used to put on the radio,and did not miss a word of a test match, in 1951 when i came home from Hong kong i went to my Aunties in Birdwell, they had a TV,i think the only one in the village, England were playing INDIA,i was on Leave,i was there for the start of the game never having seen a tv before,they switched it on for me,i sat the sound was ok,i could hear and now Trumans runs in to bowl,pitter patter you could hear his steps,then He out,INDIA 1 for0,then None for 2 .3 4 5 and at that my uncle came in and said you enjoying it, i said Yes,but there is no Picture, at this he turned a knob at the front, and there it was Indias number 7 at the crease,Hazare i think they called him, India 5 for nowt and i saw nothing another fred storey,when i was at barnsley,we wen to blackpool,by tracky,me the wife and4 kids,with the Father and mother in law,we had a good week,on the Saturday homeward bound,england were playing Austrailia,fred was near his 300 hundreth wicket on the Bus i had my Tranny glued to my ear, we arrived at Padiham half way house,the family all went in the Cafe,but not me,with Black looks from the family i stayed listening,and Heard ,truman runs in,and Hake playes forward, hes Out,caught behind,Truman gets his 300 hudreth wicket, i go to the Cafe,and the family are still cueing for a cuppa,thanks Fred,you saved my Bacon that day.
RE: my fred stories, I was at Wombwell high in the 60's.</p> Our PE teachers were Mr Weston and Mr Mason.</p> They use to run trips to Headingley. I remember watching Fred play against the Australia and the West Indies.</p> When Fred wasn't bowling and he was fielding on the boundery he would be constantly talking to the crowed and cracking jokes. A true Yorkshireman and he was proud of it. RIP Fiery Fred. </p>
RE: my fred stories, Yes,i forgot RIP Fred, i can just imagine,the old cricketers long gone be saying ,Oh dear, RIP your RIP,s up, look who,s coming