11 comments

• Comment Link Saturday, 07 May 2011 06:11 posted by Ronny Corbett

  Arriving from NZ in the early 90's Diggers was the first hand I shook on a ground which still holds many happy memories. He did and was everything Kenton. Not one of the prettiest batsmen or finest after match singers but a true genteman who emobodies everything great about cricket, and a club legend. Thank you Alan for everything.
  Steve 'Ronny' Corbett
• Comment Link Wednesday, 05 January 2011 21:45 posted by Ameya Karmalkar

  Growing up in neighbouring Kingsbury and taking a keen and avid interest in cricket from a young age I decided to join Kenton CC at around aged 14 and played for only a year or so. I have never met such a keen spirited and amazing individual like Alan. He took an interest in me from the start and I feel that the influence he had on my time there was inspirational. He had a knack for training individuals well when it came to one on one coaching and I'll never forget those sunny days in 2002 playing after school and getting to be part of something I otherwise would have never been involved in. His presence will never be forgotten and his name will always ring bells of those past days which I look back on with fondness. Thank you Alan, I'll never forget you.
• Comment Link Friday, 26 November 2010 16:10 posted by Perry Grant

  I remember Mr Digby as a very caring teacher.. He used to take a bunch of raggy council estate kids on countryside rambles. Kids who had never seen live cows! He did this because he cared. A teacher i will never forget. He was my class teacher from 1973 to 1975 . Kilburn Park Junior school.
  Perry Grant(merry Perry) he nicknamed me!
• Comment Link Tuesday, 21 September 2010 11:10 posted by Ali Shaw

  Alan was a dear friend of my husband Joel Murphy; I also thought the world of him..........
  I thought many would be moved to read this tribute I found today on the web:
  http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/cricket/2010/04/ecb-need-more-like-digby-and-w.html
  ECB NEED MORE LIKE DIGBY AND WIFFEN
  BY DEAN WILSON ON APR 27, 10 10:30 PM IN ECB
  England are about to get up and running in the World Twenty20 over here in the Caribbean and it will provide plenty of excitement and razzmatazz for everyone to enjoy.
  However before we get too carried away with the latest form of the game and the glamour and gloss that goes with it, the passing of two great cricket clubmen has got me thinking about more than just the top end of the game.
  You won't have heard of them but Graham Wiffen of Bessborough Cricket Club and more recently Alan Digby of Kenton Cricket Club both passed away after suffering serious illnesses.
  Their clubs and the Middlesex league will be poorer for having lost them, and the sheer numbers of cricket lovers young and old who were at Alan's funeral on Monday spoke volumes for him.
  Apart from owing both men a great deal of gratitude in my own cricketing life, it struck me as being apt that the ECB's latest strategic plan for the game is all about 'Grounds to Play', because these were two men that made playing possible for so many and who sadly are not being readily replaced at clubs up and down the land.
  The ECB recognises it has a bit of a crisis at the grassroots level.
  They are getting more and more kids to play cricket and they are using schemes like 'Chance to Shine' in order to provide the neccessary places and equipment for these children to play, but it is not enough.
  Participation levels are up (although there is still some doubt as to whether cricket clubs are being used for kids to play cricket or for parents to find cheap childcare of an evening or weekend) and with increased participation comes a need for more facilities.
  This is in the shape of grounds, kit, equipment and coaching which the ECB are putting a lot of money into and they should be applauded for it.
  However if there isn't the sort of person like Alan Digby who prepared pitches, coached kids and captained sides at Kenton for 40 years, or a Graham Wiffen who played and coached and ferried kids to and from games, to help out then the whole process falls down.
  In essence the ECB needs more men and women who love the game and who are prepared to put time and effort into providing an environment where young and old can play the game we love.
  The ECB has started something good this year and they will keep it going for the next three, perhaps then their next strategic plan should be "A game to fall in love with.'
• Comment Link Sunday, 11 July 2010 08:33 posted by pujankerai

  there is a memorial day at kenton cc on the 11th of july for alan so come down
• Comment Link Monday, 19 April 2010 19:44 posted by Lesley Brown

  On behalf of everyone at Harrow St.Mary's CC, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Alan's family and his friends at Kenton CC. He will be missed by many people.
• Comment Link Friday, 16 April 2010 15:37 posted by Mitul Shah

  Alan was the best coach I have ever had, he would always be there when I wanted to have a net, bowling machine or just a general chat. I am going to miss him so much and I feel privileged to have known him for over 10 years. Thank you for everything you have done for me Alan, you will be truely missed and I hope you are at peace. R.I.P Diggers aka Legend
• Comment Link Friday, 16 April 2010 13:51 posted by Hilan Shah

  I just wanted to say thank you Alan for all the help and knowledge you have given to me over the past 12 years. You have been an inspiration to me and many other people and you will be truly missed by everyone that knew you! R.I.P, True Legend.
• Comment Link Friday, 16 April 2010 13:34 posted by Kalpesh Kerai

  Alan, i just want to say thanks for everything you've done. You was truly a great servent to KCC and we all appreciate the help you've given us to become better cricketers. You've taught me more in 5 years then people ive known for my whole life. R.I.P Legend Alan Digby.
• Comment Link Friday, 16 April 2010 08:01 posted by Jayson Mehra

  Mr Sir Alan Digby- Thank you for everything throughout the years, your time, advice, support and most of all inspiring ways. Kenton won't be the same without you and words can't describe what you meant to everyone and much of a void we all have now. I hope you are at peace now, your dedication was second to none and I ...no I will never forget you. One day we will meet again. Until then.......R.I.P