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‘TRUE LEGEND’: Tributes paid to beloved Watford cricket club scorer of nearly 40 years

 Published on: 3rd September 2025   |   By: Kelly Pells   |   Category: Uncategorized

Tributes have been paid to the beloved scorer of Garston-based Watford Town Cricket Club (WTCC).

Ian Smith, 57, known to all as ‘Chief’, had been part of the club for nearly 40 years. He was admitted to hospital in July and was making progress in his recovery when he suffered a heart attack on Saturday, August 23.

The club say he was one of their most loyal members, hardly missing a fist team league match in all those years and always making himself available to score for the Sunday and mid-week teams.

WTCC chairman Richard Bayliss said: “He was a legendary figure who will be very difficult to replace. Scorers are among the unsung heroes of club cricket and Chief’s commitment was an example to all players, young and old alike.”

From his boyhood, Ian was also a dedicated supporter of Watford FC, both home and away, and the club paid tribute to him on the big screen ahead of the match against Southampton at Vicarage Road on Saturday, August 30.

WTCC’s Facebook post announcing the sad news received more than 80 comments from residents sharing their memories of Ian, who was revered as “a special individual” and “a true legend”.

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