Graham Lloyd Calls It A Day
Monday August 18th 2014

Tributes to Graham Lloyd who has called time on his Lancashire League playing career.

Graham Lloyd: "I would like to thank everyone for the tributes I have received. My time back at the club over the past 6 years have been a hugely enjoyable experience. The Lancs League has so much going for it and so many great characters playing in it that it has been a pleasure to be part of it. When time allows I will be down at the ground, but this time on the other side of the boundary."

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Keith Roscoe: "It seems to me that the recent revival in Accrington CC fortunes, has somehow however unlikely, coincided with the return to the club of one Graham Lloyd! A rarity nowadays of an ex international and county pro prepared to return to his league club in their hour of need. As a batsman peerless, preferring to win games from the middle order, often guiding the tail to the most unlikely of victories, rather than taking the plaudits at the top of the order. It is often said that Graham is a consummate player of spin, but that would be selling him short, he plays all types of bowling equally well, it was just us spinners who'd usually take the pogoings! He will be not only a loss to Accrington, but also to the league. The way he has instilled a new confidence in the amateur batting at Accrington is there for all to see. For me personally it's be a privilege, a pleasure and more times than not a painful experience to have played against him. All the best for your future endeavours pal. Top player, peerless opponent, but most of all,a great man to share a beer with. If you have any plans to return in the future for the odd game, pick some other bugger to play against!"

Jimmy Hayhurst: "Simply the best player I've ever played with or against. A class act, some of the funniest things I have heard around cricket came from this guys mouth. The only batsman who had a seam watchman so he could face the spin, he'd always say "I've Gone" then get fifty odd. And a master tactician set good fields, had game plans, and kept it simple. Top bloke, fantastic career and has now moved to the dark side.. Umpiring!! Good luck."

Ian Wilson "It is almost impossible to describe what Graham has brought to Accrington Cricket Club over the last few years (other than more trophies than you can shake a stick at that is). Graham returned to his roots for no other reason than the desire to "put something back" where it all started for him, a rare quality these days and he has done that in spades. So what exactly did he bring to ACC that enabled us to be successful? Quite simply a plan as to how we should play to give ourselves the best chance of winning games. This plan has certainly served us well in recent years and Graham will be the first to confirm that if he was the Architect of the plan, then the very good players around him were the builders (or bag carriers) who built the foundations on which such good times were had. An excellent motivator and tactician on the field, his off field influence has probably been as important to the club, as he instilled in everybody the philosophy of winning and losing in the right manner, a rare skill that has proved vital at times. On top of all this his contribution in the dressing room is almost impossible to evaluate, one of the most naturally funny men I have come across he just made the game a whole lot of fun for everybody involved with some legendary tales to brighten up even the darkest moments. A super guy, a fantastic cricketer and somebody I am proud to call "a mate", I will miss the political debates with him and "Red Dave" (Dibber) and look forward to a few beers with him in the future. Thanks Graham for being a driving force in putting Accy back on the Lancashire League map. Don't be a stranger to Thorneyholme Road - or the dressing room. Oh by the way, it's been a pleasure."

Rob Benson: "When Graham first played for A.C.C. it was clear he was a class act - he had time to play his shots and the ball made that distinctive sound on his bat that only comes from natural timing - I was an Accy fan in those days and when Eddie Slinger asked me what I thought about the young Lloyd even I (just a very social club member) had no hesitation in saying he was special - so thanks for proving me right Graham! All the best for the future and we hope to see you at Bentgate soon!"

Andy Payne: "All the best Graham. Top class player right the way through a special career. Won many a game for Accrington against us with sheer class. Just remember though when your an umpire, if the ball hits you on the pads in front of the stumps that's out, because when we played you it never was!!!!!"

Stephen Brankin: "Thank you Graham for being a wonderful player and awsome captain and bringing us the title last season happy retirement and hope to still see you down the club."

Shaun Wyse: "Such a legend in this league. Having played against him for a number of years, he always seemed to have so much time while batting. Made it look very easy and always has a positive approach. Top man. All the best for the future. "

Paul Hargreaves: "As a Lowerhouse fan worried about up and coming games against Accrington C.C. I'm not the least sorry that Graham is calling it a day. Boy he was one formidable opponent and whatever the state of the game; a match wasn't over whilst he was at the crease. I remember well one game at Thorneyholme Rd. when only an excellent Chris Bleazard catch on the boundary prevented Graham from orchestrating the most unlikely of comeback victories. He came over as a humble,' one of the guys' type player who let his bat do the talking. Sincerely wish many inferior players had that same commendable attitude."

Vinny Hanson: "It has been an absolute privilege to play against and get to know the Legend that is Graham Lloyd since his return to the Lancs League.  A genuine top fella who provided some master classes batting against spin when playing us and I'm sure Kes will carry on for a few more years on the strength of this decision.  All the best Lloydy"

Len Dewhurst: "Great career , great guy , great clubman great friend,  simple as that."

Duncan Spencer: "Wonderful batsman and a fine gentleman. Sub pro at Burnley once. A pleasure to play with. Best of luck for the future."

Lindsay Ormerod: "Top bloke, great cricketer and such a valuable asset to every team he has played in. GDL will be majorly missed."

Michael Brown: "Congrats Bumble on a great career. Shame you have had to retire when still much to offer. Spinners around the league will be breathing a sigh of relief! All the best with the umpiring. "

Jon Fielding: "Graham was one of the most difficult of all  batsmen to bowl against, mainly due to his positive intent and aggression when playing spin bowling. He would never allow a bowler to settle into a rhythm, working the ball into gaps, sweeping, reversing sweeping and hitting over the top if need be. He has served Accrington Cricket Club admirably and I am sure it is with a heavy heart he makes this decision. I played both with and against Graham over the years and he was/is a true gentleman both on and off the field. Congratulations on a fantastic career and good luck with your new adventure."

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