Darren Bicknell said he is in awe of Nottinghamshire’s former all-rounder, Captain and Cricket Manager Clive Rice, who has passed away at the age of 66.
Bicknell, an opening batsman brought to Trent Bridge by Rice in 2000 and now a member of the Club’s Committee, says the news has come as a shock following a recent conversation with his former mentor.
“Quite frankly, he was the reason why I joined Notts,” said Bicknell.
“The idea of working with someone like Ricey, who was such a legend, was one of the big reasons why I wanted to come and play at Trent Bridge.
“He was an incredibly strong man who didn’t tolerate fools easily and he demanded the best out of you every day.
“He was a very courageous man; one of the toughest men I have ever met. The fact that this has got him is really sad.”
Bicknell revealed that he got back in contact with Rice last year after hearing of his illness.
“I’ve chatted to him fairly regularly over the past few months,” added Bicknell.
“Having heard that he was poorly, I decided I wanted to get in touch with him, so I contacted him by emails and things like that.
“I only spoke to him via email two weeks ago. He was in good spirits, very positive about his health and operations and laughing about his bad golf putting.
“I’m in awe of the guy really. It’s come as quite a shock and I’m incredibly sad for him, for his wife and for his family.”