A Man for all Seasons – Member Profile, John Nye

A Kent County Cricket Club Life Member for 20 years John Nye not only enjoys watching all forms of the game, but he also contributes to the Club working behind the scenes.

John is a member of the Kent Supporters Club committee and arranges the two Stakeholder Days a season for members, which always prove very successful with around 60 people sitting down to lunch and meeting club officials and players in a convivial atmosphere,

He is also one of the original members of the Harrietsham and Lenham Formation Drinking Team, better known as the Yellow Shirt Brigade who usually spend a day together at every home championship game. They are all ardent supporters, with an average age of 70 plus, who give something back to the County.

Between them they have put in over 200 hours of voluntary work for Kent Cricket and are mainly responsible for all the club mail shots being collated and distributed and they are also around to help in other ways when asked.

“Being a Yellow Shirt is great fun and very enjoyable”, said John, “most of us are also Kent Hoppers and Life Members and keen supporters of the County and feel we are able to offer something of value to the club, which I know is appreciated”.

John has been steeped in Kent Cricket since his father took him to his first game in 1948 and he regards Don Bradman as the greatest player he ever saw. He also has fond memories of watching Peter May score a century for Surrey against Kent at the Rectory Field at Blackheath.

A cricket lover all his life, John is in his 44^th year as an MCC member and has seen every Test Match at Lords since 1971. He has also been to Australia three times to watch international cricket.

John feels that being too traditional about the game hampers progress. “The One Day competitions are vital from a commercial aspect and are the life blood for counties surviving” He feels Kent have mad tremendous strides on the commercial and business front, especially in the development of the ground and sponsorship opportunities.

“Rather than having boxes in the Ames stand empty during county games the club are allowing the Supporters Club and individual groups of members to use the facilities, therefore improving the atmosphere and ambience for players and supporters alike”, he said.

On the field John feels supporters should still be patient, although progress is a little slower than everybody would like. There are a talented group of young players coming through into the first team and now is the time for them to make their mark and establish themselves in the side.

Like many Kent supporters he is also a keen follower of the fortunes of Charlton Athletic Football Club.

Written by Pete Burrowes