Dave English and the next generation of cricketers
"Dave English managed the Bee Gees, handled publicity for Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, was involved in the launch of the film Grease and had a (very minor) role in A Bridge Too Far , alongside Robert Redford, right
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
"Dave English managed the Bee Gees, handled publicity for Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, was involved in the launch of the film Grease and had a (very minor) role in A Bridge Too Far, alongside Robert Redford, right. English used the money and contacts he made in the music industry to set up the Bunbury cricket organisation," writes David Walsh in the Sunday Times.
Where do you begin to tell this man’s story? Perhaps as a boy, a year or so younger than Cowdrey is now, being awoken in the early hours by his father. “Look, Stinker,” his dad said, using the codename that spoke of their closeness. “I’ve got to go. Your mum is a good woman who loves you; look after her and your sister. You’re the boss now.” He understood why his dad left, even empathised with the zest for life that tempted him from their London home. He didn’t hear from him for two years. Though he coped remarkably well, there were times when he needed to work things out and he would head down to nearby Hendon Park with his cricket bat over his shoulder. Tomorrow could wait. Today he would improve his batting. He made it onto the ground staff at Lord’s, played two games for the Middlesex second team, but he didn’t have that touch of greatness. Instead he had a talent for enabling those who did. Eric Clapton and Barry Gibb would soon become two of his favourite people and two of his best mates.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo