Lives in Cricket No 10 - John Shepherd

Chapter Eight Third Innings None worked harder to try to overcome bowling shortcomings than the new-ball pair … John Shepherd, in his 40th year, had a splendid season, doing the modern equivalent of “the double” by claiming 67 wickets and scoring 1,025 runs. He was always fit and ready to bowl, and he more than maintained the high standards he has set himself throughout a long career. Geoff Wheeler, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, 1984 It is a harsh reality of the life of a professional sportsman that, at an age where those in other professions are getting into stride in their careers, the sportsman’s first-choice livelihood is coming to an end. John Shepherd’s performances for Kent since his benefit year had not been as sparkling as in earlier years, but there are extenuating circumstances and whilst age played a part, the shambolic nature of Kent’s management at the time was arguably the primary cause. The retirement of Les Ames, the poor health and authoritarian management style of Colin Page and, especially, the lack of man-management skills of Page’s successor, Brian Luckhurst, all played a part. Derek Underwood puts it succinctly: ‘To be absolutely honest I don’t think that [Luckhurst] was management material.’ 147 The captain, Asif Iqbal, was also rather distant from the fray and had not promoted Shepherd’s cause very strongly and neither he nor Luckhurst, nor anyone in the committee hierarchy, had been at all hands-on with Shep as he went through a sticky patch on the field of play. Even the most experienced of professionals lose form and confidence from time to time and that is when coaches come into their own. Shep received no arm around the shoulder at a time when he needed one – instead he had a kick in the teeth. When the news about John Shepherd’s non-retention by Kent broke at the end of July and it became known that he was seeking to continue for a year or two as a player, there was speculation around the counties about which would sign him. Middlesex were the early favourites – Shep had a remarkable track record at Lord’s but no firm offer was made. Derbyshire did make Shepherd a formal offer, as did Gloucestershire, and it was the latter that he eventually accepted. Tony Brown, Gloucestershire’s Secretary and Cricket Manager, explained why they wanted Shep: 107 147 Interview with the author, 24 September 2008.