SOMERSET all-rounder Lewis Gregory has added his tribute to Alan Swift, the Devon Cricket youth coach and mentor who died recently aged 81, writes Conrad Sutcliffe

Gregory, whose cricket journey started at Plympton, was a Devon age-group player, Bunbury Festival graduate and South African tourist twice over with the Development squad tour. He went on to play one-day cricket for England.

Gregory is one of many former South African tourists to join the chorus of praise for Swift, who founded the pioneering tour in 2002.

“Alan Swift was one of life’s givers – a special bloke – who gave hugely in time and effort to Devon Cricket.

“I was one of the lads he used to ferry all over the South West for age-group matches as an under-15.

“I went to South Africa twice (2006, 2007) and to experience a different country, culture and play cricket there was an amazing experience for a 14-15-year-old.

“Alan had a knack of picking up half-decent cricketers and enabled them – myself included –to improve. Many came to us at Somerset, and there are others playing First-Class cricket around the country.”

Lewis Gregory
Devon CCC, Somerset CCC, England U19 captain (2011), England, Manchester Originals

“The Devon age groups were the honour you and status you wanted as a kid. But then, to be given the opportunity by ‘Swifty’, Matt Theedom and others to represent Devon in South Africa is something I will always be grateful for. 

“Alan was subtle is in his ways but extremely knowledgeable. I picked up nuggets of gold throughout winter development and South Africa tour and ended up going abroad with confidence to succeed (personally doing quite well amongst some top cricketers in our age group).

“A good man and someone who certainly had an impact on the way I discovered my own cricketing resilience.”

Tom Drake
South Africa tourist 2009, Torquay CC, Barton CC

“I was one of many lucky youngsters to be coached by ‘Swifty’. It was because of him that so many of us were able to experience the incredible opportunity of touring South Africa. 

“The bonds and friendships we created on those trips still last and the experience is always talked about. It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I learned to appreciate what ‘Swifty’ had done for so many over the years and that extended outside of Devon Youth Cricket. He was a kind, generous and funny man that always had time for you.

“The last time I saw ‘Swifty’, nearly 20 years on from being coached by him, one of the first things he said in typical ‘Swifty’ fashion was ‘great to see you’re still playing, have you learned to hit the ball on the floor yet?’. 

“I feel lucky that I got to know ‘Swifty’ as more than just a coach. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Luke Bess
Sidmouth CC, Devon CC, South Africa tourist 2007

“The South Africa tour is something all kids coming through the system aim for and memories I made I still talk about with my mates now. Alan gave hundreds of kids a once-in-a-life opportunity. 

“Any interaction I had with him on the tours (2016, 2017) I always found him to be incredibly knowledgeable about the game, but also straight talking. He just wanted to see Devon represented in the best way possible.”

Jack Moore
Barnstaple & Pilton CC, Devon CCC, North Devon CC

“Alan started the Devon tour to South Africa and I will be forever grateful to him.  Loved playing for him, great coach and an even better man. Will be sadly missed.”

Nick Watkin
Barton CC, South Africa tourist 2002

“Alan was a nice guy and very passionate about cricket and his role within the Devon youth set-up. From what I remember we had a successful season under his guidance. Alan allowed us freedom to play the game as we saw best,without getting too involved. Back then, 20-odd years ago, that wasn't always the case for young cricketers.”

Gary Chappell 
Bradninch & Kentisbeare CC, Devon CCC, South Africa tourist 2003

“For me, much like many other Devon youth cricketers, Alan marked a huge milestone in our cricketing journey being the man responsible for the South Africa tour. He was the reason behind one of the main highlights of many of our sporting experiences and helped further our love of the game. 

‘Swifty’ was a brilliant man, briefly a very entertaining maths teacher*, and a huge supporter of mine and many other cricketers growing up. I am glad he got to play such an important role in my life. He will be truly missed.”

Samuel Wyatt-Haines 
Bovey Tracey CC, Devon CCC, Somerset 2nd XI, captain South Africa tour team 2011

“I was very privileged to be part of the first your touring party to South Africa all those years ago. It’s testament to Alan that he forged such great relationships which mean Devon youngsters can still experience the once in a lifetime opportunity. 

“Alan was an inspiration to many, many young cricketers across Devon. Nany have gone to make successful careers in the game but we all have been made better players and more importantly better people thanks to the time shared with Alan. 

“I was lucky enough to go back to South Africa as a young coach as part of Alan’s touring party, a very different experience and really eye-opening to the thought process Alan had. “He was fiercely competitive and wanted to win every game but he wanted the players to come back better more rounded people and believed the experiences he organised hit every mark. 

“After experiencing as both a player and a coach I can safely say Alan achieved all he wanted for every player that was privileged enough to play for him whether that be on tour or in Devon. 

“Last time I saw Alan I was playing for the MCC at Plymouth college, years and years after him last seeing me play his only comment was ‘still hitting across the line Parker’. 

“’Swifty’ will be sorely missed in Devon cricket and he leaves behind a great legacy with paths the way for many more Devon cricketers to succeed in life.”

Thanks ‘Swifty’.

Adam Parker
Former Barton CC captain, Devon U21s, Devon Lions, South Africa tourist 2002.

 

What a legend ‘Swifty’ was! He has given so many cricketers in Devon the opportunity to go on a tour of a lifetime. He was always so honest with us as a group and got the most he could out of us on a tough tour. I’m sure he wanted us to lose at times to toughen us up! I hope the tour continues for many years in the way ‘Swifty’ wanted it done. 

Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings
Former Heathcoat CC captain, Devon CC, South Africa tourist 2010

?“I would never have played for Devon without ‘Swifty’, who gave me my first chance in age-group cricket by taking me to South Africa. Forever grateful he believed in me and I wouldn’t have been the cricketer I was without him. He believed and went above and beyond for so many of us young cricketers. His legacy will live on forever. A great man.

RIP Swifty

Hal Kerton
Plymstock CC, Plymouth CC, Devon Lions, Devon CCC, South Africa tourist 2010