Worcestershire are sad to report that journalist Mike Beddow, who covered the County’s fortunes for 57 years, has passed away.
Mike was one of the most respected journalists on the cricket and Midlands football circuit and reported on all five of Worcestershire’s County Championship triumphs in 1964, 1965, 1974, 1988 and 1989.
He covered his first game at New Road in 1963 and, for many years, was the county’s Daily Telegraph correspondent.
Mike eventually retired in 2020, and Worcestershire recognised his services this summer by naming the press box at Visit Worcestershire New Road after himself, Chris Oldnall and John Curtis.
Mike also reported for many other newspapers and media outlets, including The Press Association, The Sun, The Mirror and various TV and radio companies.
He operated in a similar role with Warwickshire and across the various Midlands football clubs, including Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
Former Worcestershire Club Captain and current President Phil Neale led the tributes to Mike.
He said: “I had many interviews and conversations with Mike during my career at Worcestershire, and particularly when I was Captain from 1982 to 1991.
“It was always apparent that Mike had a deep understanding of the game of cricket and always wrote a fair and balanced article, whether we had done well or badly.
“I was delighted that Worcestershire recently re-named the press box at New Road with Mike as part of that, and he will be sadly missed.”
Chris Oldnall, who was the Worcestershire cricket correspondent for the Worcester Evening News for 25 years, said: “News of Mike’s death is devastating. I have such happy memories of working alongside him for many years in the New Road Press Box.
“When I started covering Worcestershire CCC in 1979 for the then Worcester Evening News, Mike took me under his wing.
“He was one of the country’s leading freelance sports journalists, and I couldn’t have been in better company. He was always very helpful, and I learned a lot from him.
“I was in awe of his many different styles of cricket writing and immaculate record-keeping. And to see him in action as various daily newspaper deadlines approached was an eye-opener to a lesser experienced cricket reporter like myself. He always seemed so calm and word perfect.
“He was a familiar and welcome face for well over half a century. Worcestershire CCC were very fortunate to have such a highly respected and talented journalist covering them for so many years.”
Worcestershire send its condolences to Mike’s widow, Diane, and all members of his family.
