Ted Ashman (left) presenting the Sally Ashman Cup to Will Popham at the 2017 DCB awards night in Exeter

FORMER Devon youth players, their families and friends within the game have been remembering Ted Ashman with affection.

Ted, who has died aged 81, was a busy figure in Devon youth cricket for more than 35 years.

He ran teams, school competitions and served on the English Schools’ Cricket Association executive for more than 25 years until retiring last September.

Among those to join their tributes are Somerset and England cricketer Dom Bess, Exeter Chiefs and England rugby player Jack Maunder, Devon League secretary Ed Leverton and many others.

Here are just a few of the tributes

Ed Leverton: Ted was undoubtedly one of the most tireless volunteers the recreational game has ever had, but more importantly he was the kindest of men.

My abiding memory of him goes back many years to the early days of Kwik Cricket.  Sally and Ted used to host the early regional Kwik Cricket meetings at their home. 

Jack Whittaker (right) collecting the Sally Ashman Cup for 2016 from donor Ted Ashman, who inaugurated the trophy in memory of his late wifeDavid Lloyd (Bumble), then with the old Test and County Cricket Board and Mike Gear, TCCB used to attend.  Malcolm Broad and I would attend to represent Cornwall.  It was certainly worth the journey just for Sally’s teas alone.

They had everything aligned for their long and happy retirement when tragically Sally passed away.  Ted had lost his soul mate.  They are re-united now and, if there is a cricket heaven, they will continue to enjoy their love of the game.

Mark Tyler (Broadcaster and club cricketer): ‪Incredibly sad news. Privileged to have known Ted in later years. Will miss seeing him at cricket and Exeter City FC. Legend.

Bob Adams (Countess Wear CC): I can only reiterate what Mark has said, such a lovely man, who will be sorely missed. RIP Ted, thoughts with Giles and his family.

Chrissie Haffenden: Ted was great wasn’t he. Always a kind word, positive comments, just a great example x

‪Roy James: So sad. Loved chatting to him at ECFC before kick-off. RIP Ted and condolences to all the family x

Mustafa Shaikh (Ex-South Dartmoor College and Somerset age-group coach): ‪Sincere condolences to all concerned. An absolute gentleman and humble man.

Russell Jones (ex-Devon player and youth coach): What great years spent coaching the Devon under-10s and 11 teams with Ted. He gave all Devon cricketers a great taste of county cricket and for sure made Devon youth cricket a force to be reckoned with. RIP Ted.

‪Richard Tidball (Hatherleigh CC) Really sad news - such a true gentleman and a marvelous mentor for so many involved in youth cricket. Thoughts are with Giles and all the family. To call him a legend is a vast understatement!

Matt Cooke (Sidmouth CC and ex-Devon youth player): ‪Very sad news. Top man, whose impact on Devon Cricket is immeasurable. The standards of discipline, sportsmanship, and adhering to the spirit of cricket that Ted implemented were second to none. Thoughts are with Giles and family.

Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs an Devon U11-16): What a legend this man was. Sad news. Still got my Devon Shirt from the King\s College Cricket festival! Has got Ted’s wife’s foundation on it!

Graham Bess  (Sidmouth CC): Ted’s standards had a great influence on our young cricketers (and parents) very sad. Thoughts are with Giles and family.

Alex Miles: A kind, hard-working, dedicated coach who invested a huge amount of time into ensuring youngsters enjoyed cricket. Thoughts go to his family and friends

Jenny Ford: Such sad news, Thank you Ted for all you did for our boys. A true gentleman. RIP Ted

Richard Arbuthnot (ex-Seaton CC): ‪Very sad news. Ted was a lovely man and had great passion for the game. RIP

Graham Pascoe (Ashburton CC and retired umpire): ‪A remarkable man who gave so much to Devon Youth cricket. Condolences to Giles and family.

Richard Foan (Sandford CC & Devon): ‪Such sad news a great influence on so many young cricketers.

Adrian Codling  (East Devon Youth League president): ‪A real gentleman who did so much for youth cricket in Devon. A very sad moment RIP Ted.

Graham Parker: Such sad news, true gentleman. Youth cricket in Devon has lost a legend. RIP Ted

Frank Biederman (former captain North Devon CC): ‪What an amazing man and commitment to youth cricket second to none.

Peter Jolliffe ‪(Umpire and former Shobrooke Park player): Thank you Ted for a great innings. RIP and God bless.

 Zak Bess (Sidmouth CC & Devon): We all owe so much to Ted! A true legend.

 Matt Golding (Bovey Tracey CC & Devon): What a true legend he was! If it wasn’t for Ted I probably still wouldn’t be able to do a tie.

Alex Brown (Devon U16s-17s): Very sad to hear the news of Ted Ashman’s death. He managed me for many years in Devon Cricket age groups. A kind, hard-working, dedicated coach who invested a huge amount of time into ensuring youngsters enjoyed cricket. Receiving my first Devon Cricket tie at Exeter School is a special memory. My thoughts go out to his family.

Chris Luxton (Devon youth 1988-93, Bideford CC): I played under Ted in 1988, he was a lovely man, both him and his wife made my parents and me very welcome. A true gent and a presence I'm sure will be sorely missed within Devon cricket. My condolences and wishes to his family.

Sam Wyatt-Haines (Bovey Tracey, Devon & Somerset II): Ted was a truly remarkable man and is responsible for so many people like myself getting into the game of cricket. He became a hugely influential member of my family and his relationship with my mother and I was really quite special. I will treasure fond memories of driving him around the county to various cricket tournaments in the racing green Mini ,which we shared. A man who gave so much to the sport and to us all. Thank-you Ted for everything.

 Bev Walter (Plympton CC): A pure gentleman who will be enormously missed by cricket in general but Devon in particular. Rest in peace Ted. We will miss you.