Glenrothes Cricket Club legend passes away

Mr Bell was one of the founding members of GCC in 1957 aged only 14 and from there embarked on 57 years of dedication to the club as a player, retiring in 2014 with an array of records unlikely ever to be broken.

Club chairman Kenny Crichton said: “We’re all in a state of shock, many of us saw John at a wedding recently and he appeared in good health. John Bell epitomised loyalty and dedication to his club, his legend will always live on at GCC. Our thoughts go out to John’s family at this sad time, we will miss him dearly."

With the ball John took 1,947 wickets in the 1st XI at an average of 10.88, a best of 9 for 23 and sits at number 1 in club’s all-time bowling rankings. Whilst with the bat he scored 7,691 for the 1st XI at an average of 13.59 with a best of 111 and sits at number 3 in the club’s all-time batting rankings.

John was Club Captain 5 times and after his days in the 1st XI came to an end captained the clubs 2nd XI, 3rd XI and 4th XI whilst still maintaining an excellent bowling average and taking regular wickets.

His dedication to the club over the years saw him take on the role of Match Secretary 17 times, Club Secretary 3 times and Club President 11 times.

In recent years he looked after the ground at the Riverside Park and then the Gilvenbank Park; preparing the best pitches he could in some rather wet conditions.

John was inducted to the Glenrothes Cricket Club hall of fame in 2011, the first player to receive the distinction.

Then in 2014 John was honoured by the club with a testimonial match which he played with many of the players he shared the field with over the years. In December 2014 John was made a Life Member of the club and also awarded with the position of Life President.

John Bell died suddenly at his home in Glenrothes, the club will announce details of his funeral once they have them.