Bodenham in for a treble
EIGHTEEN years have passed since Martin Bodenham stood his biggest test.
Forget all this talk of being a fourth official at a European Cup Final (1994) and reffing a League Cup Final at Wembley – on 6 April 1997 when Leicester City drew 1–1 with Middlesbrough after extra time – his big moment came at the dear old Track on 19 May 1996.
It was a Muratti final replay and Jersey edged it 1-0.
Tomorrow, he is back in Guernsey, this time minus his black uniform and whistle, but in his role as a first-class cricket umpire.
Bodenham can claim to be unique in that he is the only man to have played the roles of top-class football referee and first-class cricket umpire.
At the ICG Centre tomorrow, he will have his cricketing hat on as he delivers three sessions, part of the first joint GCB/JCB coaching and umpiring cricket conference.
Bodenham's sessions will focus on his life as an umpire, which includes standing in Test cricket, field craft and man management, and he will also oversee an umpires' practical net session.
In addition to Bodenham, the batting, bowling and wicket-keeping coaching will be overseen by former first-class players Darren Maddy, Steffan Jones and Nic Pothas.
More in today's Guernsey Press.
