Henry Blofeld to retire........

[Lillian Thomson]

.........I was undecided whether to give this it's own thread or place it in the not worthy thread. But what the hell you're only young once.

Henry Blofeld: Test Match Special commentator calls time on career - BBC Sport

 

[sledger]

Sad, but ultimately a sensible choice, I should have thought.

 

[fredfertang]

Must have been able to settle up with HMRC

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Good riddance. Can't stand the bumbling old fool.

 

[burr]

It was time but I'll still miss him. Fortunately, the quality of TMS commentators is still superb overall, unlike ABC grandstand.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Good riddance. Can't stand the bumbling old fool.

Not quite the "happy retirement" and "thanks for the memories" sentiment that I was hoping for - but I guess he's not for everyone.

 

[fredfertang]

Not quite the "happy retirement" and "thanks for the memories" sentiment that I was hoping for - but I guess he's not for everyone.

I used to like Blowers, until I realised he was the brother of Mr Justice Blofeld, so despicable a man that he even managed to colour my view of his sibling

 

[Biryani Pillow]

Should have gone years ago.

The first rule of spots commentating (and I've been told this by a professional) is to accurately identify the players and describe the action.

He has been awful at that for some time.

 

[wpdavid]

Yeah, I'm with FJ and BP on this one. Never bought into the appeal at all. Compared to Brian Johnstone, who was genuinely charming and witty, as well as actually being able to do his job properly.

 

[Bijed]

I can see why people wouldn't like Blowers (to be honest I personally only enjoy him in small doses) and there's certainly valid criticisms to be leveled at him these days, but I'll miss him

 

[Howe_zat]

Not sure how I feel about Blowers but initial thoughts are that he was something unique in cricket and every time we get a little bit closer to everything in the sport being the same I will get sad.

In an age where being a well known ex-player gives you license to say whatever **** you like and be fawned over for it, someone who was principally known as a commentator in his own right is someone to be valued.

 

[honestbharani]

I remember as a kid reading about him on Sportstar. Apparently he was famous in India as he was used to noticing and describing ladies' earrings during commentary on test matches in India on AIR (All India Radio). Definitely the first pure commentator who got an article on Sportstar that I remember, for his commentary. Hope he enjoys his golden years with good health.

 

[vcs]

My mother always used to complain that he needs to clear his throat.

 

[S.Kennedy]

I like him. An institution.

 

[Pothas]

Yeah I know he was not actually all that good at his job but he is a huge part of TMS and hence my childhood. Aggers is the only one left now really.

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Sometimes liked him sometimes didn't, however probably a good time to go for him.

 

[Midwinter]

Always liked him for the variety he brought to the broadcast not only in style of commentary but the view of the game and its setting.

Probably overdid the No 49 bus and the pigeons in the latter part of his time but generally entertaining and occasionally thought provoking.

Thanks Henry.

 

[Zinzan]

Those calling him out for talking too much non-cricket have missed what his appeal is, especially via the medium of radio.

He, teamed up with Coney on TMS made any Test match riveting.

Will miss him.

 

[YorksLanka]

really sad to see him go but love his mantra that its a good time to go when the crowd want you to carry on rather than to see the back of you.. absolute gentleman.

 

[Biryani Pillow]

Those calling him out for talking too much non-cricket have missed what his appeal is, especially via the medium of radio.

Others do non cricket stuff and it's fine.

The issue with Bofeld is when he DOES talk about the cricket he consistently gets things badly wrong.