West Indian Cricket Legend Sir Garfield Sobers visits The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum today welcomed West Indian all rounder and cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers into its exhibitions.

Sir Garfield toured the Museum's exhibitions before talking about his career with a select audience. Guests also got the opportunity to ask one of the games great all rounders about his career in an informal question and answers session. Sir Garfield was accompanied on the day by his good friend and former Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Everton and Blackburn Striker, Duncan McKenzie.

Museum Spokesman, Mark Bushell said:

“People may ask why Sir Garfield came to the Museum but cricket and football have been closely linked from the games earliest days. Many football clubs sprang from cricket and rugby clubs and until very recently a number of professional footballers enjoyed playing cricket in the summer months.”

And indeed some of English cricket's great names have played football at a high level. Notably, Ian Botham played seven Football League games for Scunthorpe United whilst the great Denis Compton took the field on fifty-four occasions, in the League, for Arsenal.

“Many football fans love their cricket in the summer months” continued Bushell, “and this visit gave them the opportunity to talk to a genuine legend of the summer game.”

An intriguing reunion also took place on the day between Sir Garfield Sobers and Dave Wilson, a local amateur cricketer who in 1958 against all the odds managed to bowl out the great West Indian and claim the prize wicket that he will always remember.

Dave is delighted that he got the chance to once again meet his conquest that day:

“It was without doubt the greatest moment of my cricketing career. Sir Garfield may not remember me gaining his trophy wicket but I certainly do! But he was such an amazing batsman, who got out so few times, perhaps he does remember that infamous day 46 years ago!”

A Caribbean buffet ensured that Sir Garfield enjoyed all the atmosphere of a West Indian summer's day.