Remembering affable Bob
Kingston - I’m not quite sure where to start this blog as the last 24 hours have been something of a blur.
The disturbing news that Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer had been found unconscious in his hotel room in Kingston reached me just after midday, in the lobby of the Sunset Jamaica Grand Hotel in Ocho Rios.
Just hours before, the Irish team, together with hundreds of green-clad supporters had been celebrating their remarkable victory over Pakistan with the party of all parties on St Patrick’s Day.
Never before have I experienced such a dramatic and sobering change of mood...
I was preparing a report for Test Match Special with audio of the Irish singing, which had flooded the bar until the wee small hours. Suddenly everything was very very different.
It was soon established from a reporting perspective that I was in the wrong place. Ocho Rios is a two-hour drive from Kingston across the Blue Mountains, along twisty narrow roads.
Fortunately I got a text from fellow commentator Arlo White to say he, Kevin Howells and producer Caroline Short had arrived back in Kingston, having flown in from the India/Bangladesh match they had covered.
Kevin was quickly despatched to University hospital where Bob had been taken, while Arlo and Caroline headed for the team hotel. I began the drive back to Kingston.
It was with shock and disbelief that I heard confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board that the man who every journalist had affectionately slipped into the manner of simply calling ‘Bob’ had died.
I had spoken to him less than 12 hours earlier, conducting what may transpire to have been his last interview.
He chatted to me one on one, around the back of the media centre after the Ireland defeat.
Typical Bob in that he was always willing to talk, win or lose. I have never seen him turn down an interview.
Last night - although it feels so much longer ago - he spoke about his future with his usual great dignity, and about the fact that he no longer wanted to work in international cricket.
He wanted to honour his contract with the PCB until it expired at the end of June, but he was passionate about remaining in the game at a lower level.
He talked to me about hopes of doing consultancy coaching work in England, of continuing to write about the game, of maybe doing some radio commentary at some stage.
Bob had made up his mind to leave Pakistan cricket but said he wanted to sleep on it.
Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said the same when Bob asked him about his own future in the team bus on the way back from Sabina Park.
During Inzi’s extraordinary news conference, when, less than seven hours after Bob’s death he announced his retirement from One Day Internationals, he struggled to hold in his emotion as he recounted telling Bob they would talk about it tomorrow.
“Tomorrow” he said, “never came.”
I will never forget Bob's affable presence throughout England's tour of Pakistan in 2005. He offered a considered and insightful interview on almost a daily basis as I spent two months in the country covering my first overseas tour for the BBC Asian Network.
Cricket has lost a fine achiever, an inspiration and a devoted family man.
The saying on his website sums up his attitude to life as I have encountered him in my work. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is the present - a gift to make the most of.
Bob certainly made the most of his gifts.
How much more must Pakistani Cricket endure? I'm really sorry about the loss of Bob Woolmer. During the debacle of the 2006 Test series, he emerged with honour and honesty.
I don't really know what to say. But I feel for the Pakistan Cricket team. I hope they can come through this unscathed. Perhaps, for the sake of Bob Woolmer.
Complain about this postBob was a true legend. Will always be remembered by the pakistani's as a hero and a saviour....his death has shocked the whole nation. RIP BOB, you will be loved forever.
Complain about this postMy memories of Bob - when I was a youngster in the early 80s, he was only so happy to give time and autographs to the kids. A generous man.
Wasn't Inzy's announcement insensitive considering it was just a few hours after Woolmer's death.
Complain about this postA sad loss, our thoughts go to his wife and children.
Complain about this postIam in shock. I cant believe it. Im Irish and very proud of our criket team. i was celebrating St Patricks Day here in Dublin whenI got word of Bobs death......He was the REASON that I looked and ENJOYED cricket. I went to England in the 70s and worked in Westerham, KENT. My favourite player was BOB WOOLMER. MY respects to his family.
Complain about this postI was there in 1994 celebrating at warwickshire after a magnificent team with a magnificent coach won the treble. Without Bob, warwickshire would not of been so undefeatable, and was so shocked when i heard the news. Cricket has lost one of its greatest. RIP Bob.
Complain about this postAs an Irishman I was thrilled to see Ireland play so well against Pakistan. However, the sad news of Bob Woolmer's death soon after the match has put everything into perspective. He was a great cricketer and I remember him playing against Australia and West Indies in 1975 and 1976. He was a class player, and seemed like a very good bloke.
Complain about this postGod Bless Bob,
Complain about this postLike Rehan mentioned, he will always be remembered by Pakistanis as a hero. I am just sorry that his death comes at the back of Pakistan's defeat; I can just jope that Pakistan's defeat had no bearing on his demise.
This is really sad.... as a pakistani fan i was heartbroken when i saw pakistan crashing out of the worldcup but the news that came pouring in last night has really deepen my sorrow ..
I cannot believe that woolmer is no more with us..... such a sporting legend
We all were very happy at his inclusion to pakistani ranks and to be honest i thnk pakistan had achieved a lot in his tenture......
MAY ALLAH REST HIS SOUL IN PEACE
THUMBS UP FOR BOB WOOLMER.....WE LOVED U
Complain about this postHow to describe this grief; my heart is so small and this pain very huge. I feel as if my elder brother has gone. I wept bitterly like a child. I don’t know how to overcome this pain. He has proved that he was more sincere to Pakistan cricket than any other. If I could give him my life to resurrect him; I would consider it worth a deal. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Complain about this postthis is the saddest epilogue to a game since Andres Escobar was shot dead after coming home from the 1994 World Cup in the USA.. what a terrible shame.. a great cricketing coach who prob would have taken over Duncan Fletcher in the England role..
wonder if Pakistan will be fired up to beat Zimbabwe with all this happening..
Complain about this postBob Woolmer was a man of courage, devotion, and sincere to his job !!
Complain about this postI met him once at my friends wedding in islamabad, during the westindies tour of Pakistan, it was that match in rawalpindi, i met him in the hotel, he was a thorugh gentleman, and had always that smile of hope on his face !
We'll miss you Bob, and always will, may your soul rest in peace !
Bob Woolmer (RIP), What a guy! I never met the guy but he came across as a real Gent. I really admired his innovation of the game both at Grass Roots and at First Class levels. This has totally shocked me, and as a Pakistani Fan puts Cricket into perspective.
Its only a game!!! I hope another Billion people in the Sub Continent would take that stand.
The Pakistani Team are devastated as they have lost their Father Figure Coach. This has ruined the World Cup regardless of the Outcome.
The life of Bob Woolmer is far more important than 22 blokes hitting Willow onto leather!!
I am struggling to write my emotions, I feel devastated, my thoughts go out to his wife and children.
Bob we will never forget you!!!!
Complain about this postThe sudden demise of Bob Woolmer has come as a real shock. It's almost unbelievable that he is gone. Although I saw him only on TV screens, somehow he always seemed to be a decent, honest man. He had the most challenging job in the cricket world and despite all the shenanigans around him, he maintained his dignity and calm. His death should serve as a stark reminder to the powers-that-be in Pakistani cricket that something is seriously wrong in the attitudes of the players and those who run the game.
Complain about this postWell a massive loss for Cricket. Every single Pakistani Cricketing fan is sad. He enjoyed an utmost respect among common people in Pakistan. He was one of the greats of all time. We all will miss him.
Complain about this postAs a keen follower of the game, specially Pakistan just wanted to share my condolences with the family of Bob Woolmer.
We got kicked out of the world cup, because of poor cricket, not because of BOb. Hats off to him of for his dedication and working with our team inspite of taking a lot of criticism, mostly illogical.
To me he has died in the line of duty and should be conferred with our (Pakistans) highest national award.
Complain about this postLike everyone else I'm just shocked and dismayed. I knew cricket was his life and it seems ironic that it should be cricket that (has probably) killed him. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone that has been touched by his love and kindness, and especially to his family who must be devastated.
Complain about this postIt is indeed tragic to hear the demise of a great servant to International Cricket.
Known for his ultra-modern technology use in coaching methods, Bob Woolmer has left a legacy quite unique. He took over one of the most difficult jobs in world cricket, coaching the Pakistan team. Agreed, it wasn't his most successful stint but he has developed a few extra-ordinary players in Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif.
Moreover, I shall never forget Bob Woolmer for what he gave to South African cricket. He brought them to the International Stage and into a great unit.
Bob, we will miss you! You made a difference. Thank you!
RIP Bob.
Complain about this postAbdullah wrote:
MAY ALLAH REST HIS SOUL IN PEACE
THUMBS UP FOR BOB WOOLMER.....WE LOVED U
----------------------------------------------------
We still do....
Complain about this postWhat a loss? Not only to cricket world but also to human race as Bob Woolmer was not only a great cricketer/coach but had time for everyone.
From his facing of Lillee and Thompson during Ashes series and the fast batteries of West Indies during 70's and 80's to his innovations with the coaching methods which transpired the SA team when they came back in to cricket world and lately Pakistan.
Bob Woolmer RIP.
Complain about this postbob woolmer was a great man...he has led pakistan cricket through its most difficult period in its entire history- taking the blame on himself like a strong tiger.
as a pakistani fan the defeat to ireland just cant be accepted by the mind, body and soul it makes me feel so sick inside thats its un-explainable....
UNLIKE PREVIOUS PAK COACHES IT ALMOST FELT AS IF BOB FELT THE DEFEAT LIKE A TRUE FAN AND NOT JUST A COACH----and maybe this is the reason which led to his death
MAY ALLAH REST HIS PEACE
Complain about this postBob died working for our Cricket. His services are no to be ignored.
Least we can do is to name best enlcosure in the best pakistani stadium after his name.
Is PCB hearing?
Complain about this postI was shocked to hear the upsetting news that Bob had died. As a Scot i apprecate how supportive of the Associate nations he was and i'm extremely grateful for the opportunities that have come Scotland's way in the last few years - primarily as a result of his previous role as High Performance Manager for the ICC.
I think, in respect to cricket fans, we will all be Pakistanis on wednesday when his players take on Zimbabwe.
RIP Bob.
Complain about this postBY BOB
Complain about this postBob Wolmer was one of the Great men of the Game, a talented player and a hard working and honest coach. He will be sorely missed by all those who have any connection with cricket.
My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time
R.I.P Bob
Complain about this postYou will always be remembered
may i just say that it is such a shame that Bob never managed to coach England.......
Im sure inside the next couple of years he would have done......
RIP Bob
Complain about this postI am deeply touched to hear about Bob's death. He had been a great ambassodor to his country and PAKISTAN. His absence will leave a huge gap in the international arena. He was loved by all. We have lost a great cricketing brain. Being a Pakistani, I am more disturbed by his death than the Pakistan team going out of the world cup.
Complain about this postBob Woolmer was my cricketing hero. I followed Kent from the mid-70's, but more important than how the side had got on was how Bob had done.
Delighted when he'd stroked an elegant 100 (although he did have a habit of getting out when well set) crestfallen when he'd got a duck.
I tried to emulate the 'Kent grip' that he and Alan Knott (and later Chris Tavare) employed - with no luck.
I was so proud when in 1977 he helped, in no small part, to win the Ashes and then so disappointed when he decided to join Packer (although I now understand his reasons).
Everybody goes on about the returning Geoff Boycott being the major difference between the two sidesin '77, but without Bob's fifty and 2 hundreds in the first 2 games things could've been very different.
I believe if he hadn't signed for Packer he could well have been England skipper and played many more than his final tally of 19 tests.
From what I gather a wonderful man who was besotted with the game - I will miss him very much.
Complain about this posti am truly sorry 2 hear about Bob, he was the pride and the love of cricket. he was an outstanding coach,who was there through happiness and sadness. without him what now 4 Pakistan? he will be truly missed.
Complain about this postBorn in Kanpur India and having spent his early days in Karachi Bob was very much a son of the subcontitnent.
A true gentleman He had an affinity with the culture of Pakistan that came in very handy when dealing with the raw and talented Pakistani cricketers. He brought unity and discipline in the players ranks.
Pakistan is in a state of shock and we mourn his very untimely death.
Hasan Masood Mirza
Complain about this postIslamabad
Pakistan
i am truly sorry 2 hear about Bob, he was the pride and the love of cricket. he was an outstanding coach,who was there through happiness and sadness. without him what now 4 Pakistan? he will be truly missed. may he go to heaven.
Complain about this postMAY HE REST IN PEACE
Complain about this posti am truly sorry 2 hear about Bob, he was the pride and the love of cricket. he was an outstanding coach,who was there through happiness and sadness. without him what now 4 Pakistan? he will be truly missed. may he go to heaven.
i am a pakistan fan right now i am gutted everyone at skool is shouting at me, Pakistan lost ha ha. Pakistan can't regain the spirit they had 2 win in '92
Complain about this postHe was the only international sports coach who replied to my and Fans emails on his website. His passion and love for the game may not be matched.
Let us leave this post with Bob Woolmers own words and the Mantra which he often quoted "Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is the present, a gift to make the most of"
Bob, RIP my friend.
Complain about this postDeeply grieved at the sad demise of BOB WOOLMER. A great personality with a great smile. My thoughts go to his wife and children. May his soul rest in peace.
Complain about this postRIP Bob. The best coach England never had.
The Treble winning warwickshire side of the 90`s changed the county game. Our prayers of all religions go to his family and friends.
Many thanks BOB.
Complain about this postwhat i remember about Bob Woolmer was what he masterminded the win in Multan against England he, Inzy and Danish snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. He will be missed!
Complain about this postPakistan have lost a great coach and a leader!
Nice piece Alison.
Complain about this postBob you will be missed and thank you for the time you gave to pakistan cricket it will be poorer without you. You will always be remembered with a smile
Complain about this postbob was a great man with lots of new ideas......he took the hardest job on earth so he can win the cup with pakistan.
Complain about this postrest in peace bob............ALLAH GOT YOU NOW
Bob - Every pakistani out there salutes you. Crashing out of the world cup was quite sad, but losing you is a bigger loss for Pakistan, not just the cricket team. A hero - Thank you.
Complain about this postAs a pakistani I would like to thank Bob Woolmer for his services to pakistan. i always thought of him as a good coach and the best that pakistan has had. He also came across on tv as a friendly, gentle, calm and charming man. May his soul rest in peace and may god gives strength to his family and friends in this moment of grief and sorrow. We'll miss you BOB!!!
Complain about this postGoodness cannot be counted by numbers of successes or losses. This can easily be said fo Bob Woolmer as he will always be remembered for his kind stature.
I have really respected Bob as Pakistan Cricket Team Coach and his respect is still well and alive in my heart and i am sure in many Pakistani's hearts. Past few days were the darkest in Pakistan's Cricket history as they were beaten by part-timers, exited world cup, and the most shocking was the demise of Bob.
i offer my heart-felt condolence to his family, all members of Pakistani team and management and the nation on his sudden death. no one can replace a man like Bob, he'll always be missed and whenever 2007 Cricket World Cup will be remembered, i feel, Bob's smiling face will definitely appear in everybody's thoughts.
Missing you Bob!!!
Complain about this postIm so sad. Being a pakistani cricket fan it was bad enough that we went out of the ICC the way we did but for our coach to leave us so suddenly as well really shocked me and the whole nation. He was such a nice guy, always stood before the team. Now loosing seems such a minor point to this nothing seems to matter anymore. This will be very hard for the team to recover from, i suppose it is Allahs test on the teamand all that knew and were close to him.
May allah give him a place in Heaven and rest his soul.
Complain about this postGod bless. still can not beleive it
Bob was a gentleman, I had a lot of respect for him and will always remember in my cricket thoughts. God bless him. God bless his family a close friends.
Complain about this postJust wished to add my dismay and sadness to what has been written before. What a shame to lose not only a great servant, and student, of the game but also such a seemingly gentle, gentleman. A great loss to the game. My thoughts go to those who knew him best - his colleagues, his friends and, of course, his loved ones.
Complain about this postI grew up opposite the St Lawrence ground in Canterbury in the 1970s. My mother Eileen and father Terry [who both recently passed away] were very involved with Kent CCC, running benefits for a lot of the players. I first met Bob Woolmer when I was a small boy and like many other players in the Kent side during the 'glory years', Bob was a joy to watch and an inspiration to me in my own cricket.
On hearing the news yesterday I was shocked and at once thought of the occasions when I as small boys both myself and Mark Ealham had played with Bob and other Kent players in the nets.
I have a photo on my wall at home now of that winning Kent side of the early to mid 70s [Woolmer alongside the likes of Ealham, Cowdrey, Graham, Nicholls, Underwood, Luckhurst et al] and was lookly fondly at it last night, remembering what were magic moments for me as a kid....
God bless you Bob. Love and best wishes to your family at this terrible time, from the Goodrich Family, ex of Old Dover Road Canterbury and morfe lately of Monmouth, South Wales.
Complain about this postBob did so much for Pakistani cricket, we will miss him and always remember his contribution. May you soul rest in peace.
Complain about this postCricket has lost one of the finest coach and great contributer. On one shell replace his place in the world of cricket. The silence of his death shall never be heard. His death has put a big break in the technical development of the Cricket. His soul rest in peace.
Complain about this postI just wanted to say my thoughts for Bob Woolmer.
Complain about this postTo me his approach and skill as a coach/player, warmth and kindness and genorosity of spirit as a person were clearly appreciated by all who played with and under him.
This to me was typified by his tenure of Pakistan a notoriously difficult challenge for which this unique individual embraced and clearly showed a great passion and commitment for.
I am sure all his friends and family will find some consolation in the many messages and tributes particually from Pakistan's fans who valued his contribution to their team.
We should celebrate the Bob Woolmers of this world who unite not divide who show love not hate and who give not take.
RIP Bob.
Dear Bob,
I know you dedicated your life to the game of cricket and you proved it by sacrificing your life. At a very high cost brother!
You was a gardner, caring for each plant with passion. World need to wait and see that one day your efforts will blossom. Inshallah!
Dear, rest in peace in heaven, your earned it. My condolences to your dear ones.
Your fan in Denmark
Complain about this postThe only thing what is coming out my heart..Bob we love u. We will miss you. Allah bless your soul.
Complain about this postsad 2 c woolmer passing on he seemed a great coach
Complain about this postCan't move my lips to describe this sad incident.!!!!
Complain about this postBob's sudden death shocked all those people, who had very aggressive remarks on Pakistan failure against Ireland.
May Allah bless his soul in peace.
We have a lost a true legend, not just a sensational coach but a fantastic player. It now feels like a crater has been left in the cricketing world.
Complain about this postTalk about the highs and lows of cricket and indeed life Ali! Another great reflection, love reading your blogs, hope everything is going okay.
Complain about this post