Dickie Bird's bitter regret and agonising final question before death at 92

Despite all his sporting success, former cricket umpire Dickie Bird revealed his biggest regret in life before his death aged 92.

The legendary Barnsley sportsman candidly admitted the one thing he felt he'd missed out on in life was having his own family. Bird made the confession in an interview with The Star just one month before his death.

“Time flies. I am beginning to feel my age now,” he said. "It’s not easy to live on your own at this age, but I carry on the best I can. I never married, and got myself married to cricket. But if I missed anything in life is getting married and having a little lad, who would have probably also played cricket,” he says. "But it wasn't to be."

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The sports star also said he found "no purpose in getting out of bed" in the weeks before he died. "There have been many such days,” he says. “When I wake up and the first ray of the sun hits the curtains, I wonder if I even need to get up. What’s the purpose?”

Bird played for Yorkshire and Leicestershire as a player, but it was only after his playing career was cut short that he found his calling as an umpire. He became one of the most famous umpires in the sport and was synonymous with Yorkshire, in his later life becoming the club's president.

He oversaw 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals as an umpire and took charge of three World Cup finals.

Yorkshire said in a statement: "The thoughts of everyone at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time. He will be truly missed by all at the club having spent an incredible amount of time in support of everyone here and will be remembered as one the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.

"Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course, and the club will be looking to honour him in a variety of ways in the coming weeks."

The club added: "Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth. He was appointed an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket.

"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations."

His former club Leicestershire wrote: "Leicestershire CCC is saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird. He represented the Foxes in the early 1960s, scoring over 1,000 runs in his debut season at Grace Road. A true cricketing icon whose contribution to the game will never be forgotten.

"Leicestershire CCC would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Dickie’s family, friends, and all those in the cricketing community who were inspired by him. His contribution to the sport, both at Leicestershire and beyond, will be remembered with immense fondness."

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