TRIBUTES to a cricket coach describe his legacy of paternal warmth and top quality coaching.

A true cricket club stalwart, Bob Maxwell died peacefully at his home on Monday aged 89, surrounded by family.

Mr Maxwell was not only a long-serving coach and volunteer at Carlisle Cricket Club but also an esteemed player at Irthingvale Cricket Club, based in Brampton during the 1950s.

A spokesperson for Carlisle Cricket Club said: “The contribution Bob made at Edenside is clear for all to see, and his legacy is no better evidenced than to witness the proud photograph of the club’s 1st XI with the Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division Trophy in 2019, hanging on the clubhouse wall.

“Most of that team were, at some point in their careers, coached by Bob and he was always proud of the club’s home-grown success, both at junior and senior level.

“Carlisle’s thriving junior section was born out of solid foundations a few decades ago and Bob’s part in setting this up was crucial to the development of the club.

“All of us at Edenside send our heartfelt condolences to the whole family.”

Kevin, Mr Maxwell’s son has fond memories of his dad introducing him to the sport as well as putting his heart and soul into the Edenside club.

“He’s your typical cricket club stalwart who, when they retire they put a lot of effort and time into how the club operates.

“Weekend trips to Silloth was where we started playing cricket.

“1981, that was the first time he took us to a test match at Old Trafford.”

It was the era of Ian Botham’s Ashes heroics.

Kevin said: “That got me firmly into cricket.”

He went on to be a strong player in his own right.

Mr Maxwell is hailed as one of the pioneers of youth cricket at Edenside, along with the likes of Dick Scott and Bryan Laidlow.

He was honoured for the nurturing environment he helped create with numerous awards over the years.

Carlisle Cricket Club has released a statement remembering Mr Maxwell and paying tribute to him. Kevin said: “The reaction to that has been very heartwarming.”

Mr Maxwell is survived by his wife Ann, son Kevin and daughter Denise.