.......so said Bob Woolmer, gifted cricketer, international coach, gentleman and citizen of the world, tragically taken from us in a Jamaica hotel under circumstances which are not yet clear.

In a former life, some 25 years ago, Bob came to see me in my office; it was at the time when I was responsible, among other things, for commissioning new leisure centres for the local authority. Bob had heard about one of them being constructed in his home town, where he had gone to school and where he had business interests but Bob had set his heart on managing the new leisure centre.

Sadly, however, it didn`t happen for him and I now wonder whether the events of the last few days in the West Indies may not have happened had he been successful in his ambition all those years ago. On the other hand, of course, the cricketing prowess of Warwickshire, South Africa and Pakistan may not have reached the heights they did without Bob`s coaching and man-management skills.

The world of cricket - and beyond, especially in his native Kent - rightfully mourn this tragic loss and I join in that sorrow, having met him and admired his talent. It`s just a pity that his quotation can now be looked at with a different eye, for yesterday is the mystery....and we await the truth of how it may be resolved.