Midnight Tribute – by Wycombe

I write this message on the evening following the final day washout at Midnight’s beloved Old Trafford. I so badly want to read Midnight’s diary to see what he made of it. There would be definitely lots of moaning but I’m sure plenty of it would be absolutely spot on. Sadly I can’t.

Midnight, as he became known almost instantly, was the heartbeat of the Addis Army and captured the essence of what following cricket abroad is all about. Midnight, or Alan to give his real name, fell in love with following England abroad. He fell in love with the cricket, he fell in love with the countries and he fell in love with the people he met along the way.

I was so fortunate to meet him as a mere youngster in Addis Ababa on the way to South Africa in 2003. Midnight was certainly a different person to me. In his late 40s/early 50s at the time, he had a high powered job in banking, came across as being Mr Sensible and serious, pessimistic about England’s chances in sport. But he came alive on that tour … usually after midnight and usually to an Elvis song. And he had such a sharp wit.

I think watching cricket abroad genuinely gave Midnight a new lease of life. He retired early – I think because he absolutely loved this new lifestyle and went everywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a tour that he hasn’t and if I was considering a tour he would be the first person I might contact.

From numerous tours to South Africa, West Indies, India, Christmas in Melbourne in 2010, along with some time at his home areas of Audenshaw, Ashton and Oldham it was always a pleasure to spend time with Midnight.

I’m immensely sad at his passing, cricket touring will never be the same again. I’m sure his funeral will be a solemn affair but one filled with love and joy of the memories he’s given us. Sadly I cannot make but wish to pass on my best wishes to everyone close to him.