Backroom Staff

Neal Abberley - Development Coach

Neal Abberley

Name – Neal Abberley

Born - 22/4/1944 in Birmingham

Nickname - Abbers

Career highlight to date

Player

Being awarded my Bears' County Cap.

Playing in 2 Gillette Finals.

Going on an MCC Under 25’s tour to Pakistan in 1967. - This tour encountered many Pakistan players who were to go on to become household names.

First first-class century against Essex.

Benson and Hedges Man of the Match against Hampshire at Bournemouth with 117*

Being part of the 1972 County Championship winning squad.

Coaching

Being invited to stay with the club as a Development Coach after retiring from the playing staff.

Over 30 years, being part of a successful development structure, that involved many players who went on to help the Bears win a total of ten County Championship and One-Day titles between 1989 and 2007 plus six Second Eleven competitions in the same period.

Being part of the development of Ian Bell as a County and International cricketer.

Preferred room-mate on tour

Bill Blenkiron, John Whitehouse

Most amusing moment on the cricket field

In Wales after an end of season evening bash, when Bill Blenkiron was unable to start his first ball run up the following morning.

With Basil Bridge in a Second’s match at Stratford against Worcester. Joe Lister was the opposition captain as Basil, looking to impress with the bat, strode out to the wicket and was then run out first ball after I’d mistaken a low flying bird for the ball and only as Basil thundered down the wicket did I realise the ball was nestling under ‘keeper John Elliots foot, six inches from the stumps!

Needless to say, Basil’s language, aimed solely at me, was choice as the Worcester players fell about in laughter, with the exception of skipper Lister and even Bears' captain Tom Dollery had to resort to shutting the dressing room windows as Basil continued his tirade at the top of his voice for some time after the event.

Fortunately for me I went on to make a ton and at least earned my skipper's forgiveness!

Basil, however was less understanding and still to this day hasn’t forgiven me!!

Best cricket ground you've played at and why

Lord’s. It’s everything that a traditionalist like me loves about the game. The atmosphere, the history, the paintings, the buildings….everything about it

Cricketing hero

Sir Len Hutton

Best player on the county circuit

Mark Ramprakash

Favourite CD

Anything from Barbara Streisland

Favourite TV programme

SKY Sports, Morse and all detective programmes, Wildlife programmes.

Favourite tipple

Glass of white wine, bacardi and coke, lager.

Favourite meal and restaurant

Steak, carvery.

Three things you'd take to a desert island

A female companion, Hetty my dog and SKY sports

What would you be if you weren't a cricketer?

Working in the travel industry.