Notts CCC man who bowled over all who met him
ACCOUNTANT WHO BECAME SECRETARY OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB FOR 22 YEARS GUIDING THEM INTO THE MODERN AGE
THE expression ‘a good innings’ is a perfectly fitting one to describe the life of Brian Robson.
Not only did he reach 84 years, but professionally the most memorable of those were spent in helping to transform the fortunes of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.
He had 22 hugely successful years there, steering it from an indebted country cricket club to a modern and internationally acclaimed organisation.
“During his time at the club, Notts won every domestic honour in country cricket and not many club secretaries can say that,” says his son Dean proudly.
“He managed this world-famous cricket club in the same efficient, organised and understated way that he did with so many of his achievements… always humble, polite and softly-spoken but respected, liked and universally admired.”
Brian was born in Whitley Bay to parents Lilly and Gil. He and his twin Graeme had an older brother, Alan, and had tragically lost their eldest brother Teddy at an early age.
Having spent his childhood in Hexham, Brian moved to the East Midlands with his job at the
National Coal Board and settled in Nottingham in 1959. He married Christine and they had two children, Dean and Penny.
“He was a marvellous father to us – kind, supportive and he always shared a dry sense of humour,” remembers Dean.
After working as an accountant for several different companies, Brian landed his cricketing job.
“I remember that very special evening when he announced to the family that he was to become the Secretary of Notts County Cricket Club,” says Dean. “I thought it was the coolest accountant’s job in the world – or second, at least, to Notts County Football Club!”
Brian stayed with the club until his retirement in 2001, when he was able to devote more time to his hobbies of golf, gardening and painting. He could also spend it with the other love of his life, his partner Ann.
“Dad has been lucky enough to have a number of special women in his life,” says Dean. “Firstly, his amazing mother Lilly, who lived to a wonderful age of over a century, then his first wife and our mum Christine with whom he shared many happy years, giving us a childhood we still cherish.
“Finally, and so importantly, there was Ann his partner for the last 28 years, 20 of which they were married. Ann became dad’s soulmate throughout his retirement and they shared many good times together.” Although their brother Alan passed away recently, Brian still regularly visited his twin brother Graeme in the care home where he lives. Brian had four grandchildren whom he loved dearly – Callum, Cara, George and Sam – and when he married Ann he gained two more, Ben and Daniel, who were welcomed into the extended family along with their parents Adrian and Sheena.
Dean says his dad will be remembered as one of those rare people who everyone liked – modest, witty, and a true gentleman. “In cricketing terms, his was one of those special innings that at the time you may not fully appreciate, but its qualities continue to grow. As one of the world’s best ever cricketers said, ‘If you remain humble, people will give you love and respect even after you have finished with the game’.”
Dean, Brian’s son