Ex professional footballer/cricketer
When God created man he made Adam. When he created a Yorkshireman he made Arnie Sidebottom, an individual whose very name conjures up essential elements of men from ‘God’s County’.
The 70 year old remains slim, confident and ebullient, with some cracking tales to tell. Did some stretch credulity? Possibly a tad but no-one cared as his personality and humour easily won attention. A raconteur has the gift of drawing his listeners into the story, of being in the moment, and that was evident here.
‘The best speaker I have heard here’ said at least one devotee, to general agreement. Sport is a virile breeding ground for memories, quotes and peculiar happenings, and Arnie had the rare luxury of two professional careers to draw on. Although football (Manchester United, no less) chose him first and he made close to 100 starts for a total of three clubs, he was to turn to cricket for a much longer stint, spending 18 years with Yorkshire (594 First Class wickets). And a Member of the ‘One-Test’ Club.
Debuting for YCCC in 1973 he wasn’t capped until 1980, by which time he had left football. But not before cocking a snook at Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest who wanted to sign him. Brian was so tardy for their meeting that Arnie took up and left – you don’t mess a Yorkie about!
If you missed the evening but bump into him, ask him about Boycott, Close and the dressing room hook …!