Although only receiving his Level 2 award after 10 years trying to complete the course due to work commitments, he actually started his coaching career as a student in 1983 managing Bear Flat juniors in Bath on the strength of a National Cricket Association certificate achieved while playing at Birmingham Premier League club, Wolverhampton CC.

As Bear Flat coach he was umpiring and scoring in their first ever U11 game against Keynsham when the Keynsham opening bats rattled up a dispiriting 100 run partnership and both retired with maiden 50s, one of them being the 9-year-old Marcus Trescothick.

He disputes claims that his 2019 Kent Cricket “Outstanding Contribution” coaching award was recognition of his tenacity and longevity.