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John Savage

21/ 7/2008

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Ramsbottom-born cricket player and coach who trained Andrew Flintoff and Mike Atherton.

Off-spinner Mr John Scholes Savage died on Tuesday 15 July at Rochdale Infirmary, aged 79.

The majority of his playing career was at Leicestershire County Cricket Club from 1953-1966 where he played in nearly 300 matches.

In 1967 he moved to Old Trafford, but with the emergence of Jack Simmons, opportunities in the first team were limited.

Then Lancashire asked him to take on the role of player-coach for the club’s up-and-coming players and from 1969-1978 he nurtured many future stars.

After his playing career ended, Mr Savage remained in his coaching role for 26 years and he was also a talent-scout visiting schools and attending matches looking out for promising players.

In 2001, he was elected vice-president of Lancashire County Cricket Club. He was also a member of Rossendale Golf Club for around 40 years.

His daughter Claire Crossley said: ‘He was a really easy-going man and everyone liked him. He was very friendly and he had a lot of friends. He loved his grandchildren to bits.

‘He used to take the younger players under his wing and help them.

‘He loved brass bands and he used to play the trombone.

‘He would often play at the Bird in the Hand pub in Bury at Christmas and new year.’

Mr Savage, of Rochdale, also leaves his partner Margaret, son Richard and grandchildren.

Lancashire County Cricket Club sent deepest sympathies to his family.