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Bob Willis RIP

2

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  • greenwichred68
    greenwichred68 Posts: 277
    Totally shocked by this.R.I.P Big Bob.
  • PeterGage
    PeterGage Posts: 1,793
    RIP
  • TelMc32
    TelMc32 Posts: 9,046
    Rest in Peace Bob.  

    Desperately sorry for his wife Lauren, who I knew at school, and all his family and friends.
  • soapy_jones
    soapy_jones Posts: 21,350
    RIP  -  Long childhood summers watching the home test matches... God bless you Bob!
  • Hartleypete
    Hartleypete Posts: 4,699
    One of the true greats of English cricket, RIP.
  • killer kish
    killer kish Posts: 2,019
    RIP Big Bob
  • Gravesend_Addick
    Gravesend_Addick Posts: 7,299
    That's a shocker!

    RIP to 1 of England's all time greats
  • happyvalley
    happyvalley Posts: 8,996
    RIP, Bob you'll always be remembered by English cricket fans. I for one will never forget Headingley 81.
  • philcafc
    philcafc Posts: 3,883
    Very sad news. RIP Bob
  • StubleyAddick
    StubleyAddick Posts: 2,552
    edited December 2019
    I'm very privileged in my role at work that I get to meet and interview quite a few current and former cricketers. 

    Bob was one of those who had all the time in the world for you and I'm devastated to hear of his passing.

    RIP Bob. A proper legend.
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  • meldrew66
    meldrew66 Posts: 2,561
    That’s sad. RIP Bob.
  • mid_life_crisis
    mid_life_crisis Posts: 3,263
    Legend. 
    RIP Bob.
  • kielyskickingboots
    kielyskickingboots Posts: 564
    Johnnysummers5 said:

    RIP Bob

    Very sad news, one of the all time great fast bowlers a great character and a big Bob Dylan fan


    He was indeed - R G D Willis. He was actually christened Robert George Willis, but added the name Dylan himself as a tribute. Very sad news - bit of a shocker tbh.
  • addix
    addix Posts: 1,183
    Farewell Bob.  RIP.
  • Tunwellsaddick
    Tunwellsaddick Posts: 2,452
    I will always cherish the memory of his blistering Test performance 8-43 which I witnessed live on the TV at Barnehurst Golf Club. He appeared to be in his own world and determined to demolish the Australians second innings on his own with England facing what looked like an inevitable defeat. The busy and noisy club bar gradually became quiet and then completely silent in disbelief when they became absorbed in the "miracle" unfolding before their eyes. Cheers were shouted after every wicket as Bob Willis remained in his own cocoon of concentration. A remarkable sporting performance which was so better witnessed live. RIP Bob Willis, at 70 years of age, you deserved a longer innings. 
  • Davo55
    Davo55 Posts: 7,836
    How sad. Even though he passed far too young, I had no idea he was 70. Our sporting heroes always stay younger in our minds and hearts. RIP Bob.
  • Covered End
    Covered End Posts: 51,989
    How very very sad. Just 70 years old.
    What a shock. RIP Bob.
  • Covered End
    Covered End Posts: 51,989
    edited December 2019
    Bob died after a long illness.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/50655612
    I never realised quite how much I admired the man, this has really upset me.
  • KBslittlesis
    KBslittlesis Posts: 8,600
    Very very sad.
    RIP
  • Vincenzo
    Vincenzo Posts: 2,911
    Blimey. Didn't see that coming. Rotten news. RIP.
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  • MuttleyCAFC
    MuttleyCAFC Posts: 47,728
    What a shock. R.I.P. One of our greats.
  • Off_it
    Off_it Posts: 28,843

    I only saw Bob Willis play once, for Warwickshire against Surrey at the Oval at what must've been the end of his career (early-mid 80's).

    I was only about 12 or 13 and I remember being really excited to see one of the Ashes heroes there on the pitch in front of me, having watched the famous Headingly game live on the telly at the time.

    My one abiding memory was the length of his run up and the time it took him to walk back every time. It was almost as if he was walking back up into the stand each time so he could come charging down the stairs and out onto the pitch - and this was only a Sunday league 40 over match!

    RIP Bob. 

  • Lincsaddick
    Lincsaddick Posts: 32,348
    real shock .. a man who always spoke his mind on the SkySports cricket 'Debate', a good commentator and a tremendous 'patriot' as tearaway fast bowler and England skipper .. R I P
  • Stig
    Stig Posts: 29,021
    RIP
  • Fanny Fanackapan
    Fanny Fanackapan Posts: 18,736
    So young .

    Sleep tight, Bob 
  • Nadou
    Nadou Posts: 1,725
    Being a fellow Bob Dylan fan and knowing Bob Willis' brother I met him a few times at Dylan gigs. He told me that being up on the side of the stage at St James' Park in 1984 for a Dylan gig was even more exciting than Headingley 1981. Hard to believe even for a Dylan fanatic like me, because Bob W's bowling in the fourth innings of that test after Ian Botham's massive 149 was one of the most heart-pumpingly great sports events of my life. A smashing bloke and sporting hero has gone.
  • mid_life_crisis
    mid_life_crisis Posts: 3,263
    Some lovely tributes on Sky Sports news.
    They just interviewed Charles Colvile, the main presenter on The Cricket Debate, who spoke really well. It will be difficult to watch that show without thinking of Bob and his heartfelt contributions touched with dry humour. 
    Totally irreplaceable.
  • Covered End
    Covered End Posts: 51,989
    Willis family have requested that donations be made to prostate cancer in lieu of flowers.
  • TotalAddicktion
    TotalAddicktion Posts: 314
    What a shock. just seen this on the tv news.
    A true legend.
    RIP Bob
  • bristoladdick
    bristoladdick Posts: 1,147
    Great bowler, great pundit.

    RIP Bob.

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