We have received the desperately sad news that one of our legendary players and Vice President has passed away. Paul (aka Ziiggy) Jackson was a unique character, held in great affection and respect by everyone at Fordhouses Cricket Club. Stephen Paul Jackson was a born and bred Wulfrunian, proud of his ‘Bushbury roots’, attended St Chads College and was first introduced, at the age of 17, to FCC by his Uncle Harold.
He enjoyed a playing career of over 30 years, with a final appearance against Wroxeter in July 1988.
There are some interesting theories why SPJ was better known as ‘Ziggy’. Some colleagues believe his nickname was derived from his football playing days when he was known to make mazy runs up the wing! Others remember his unusual zigzag run up when delivering his wily medium pacers! However, his family are convinced that in 1960s a show-biz football team, played charity matches – one of these celebrities was a famous record executive/reggae DJ, called ‘Siggy’ Jackson. His cricket team mates playfully adopted the nickname ‘Ziggy’ as a light-hearted nod to the shared surname connection-it quickly stuck!
During this time at FCC Paul represented both 1st and 2nd XIs, and will be best remembered for his highly successful stints as 2nd team Captain (1984-85) and vice-captain (1981-83), plus six years as a Management Committee member
During his tenure, a fantastic achievement for Paul was to be part of a remarkable trio of teams, with the 1st XI, 2nd XI and 3rd XI all wining their respective Staffordshire leagues in the same year.
While reviewing Paul’s bowling averages, we came across what may have been one of his standout performances. On 15 September 1984, he produced a superb spell, taking five wickets for just 16 runs against Cannock and Rugeley
“Ziggy with his mixture of youth and experience!”
In cricketing terms there are lots of famous examples of unorthodox bowling styles from Jeff Thompson to Muttiah Muralitharan. Well – Ziggy’s bowling action was certainly very different:- A medium paced swing bowler who came on first or second change – his hair flowing to the side a la Bobby Charlton; the action was a round-arm side-sling, that we are sure was later replicated by the great Sri Lankan ‘slinger’ Lasith Malinga. Ziggy’s arm got lower and lower as fatigue set in!
Ziggy was not known his batting and was usually sent in down the order to frustrate the opposition. He was often referred to as ‘Stonewell’ Jackson with a closed stance and thrusting the bat firmly in front of his pads with the attitude that nothing shall pass.
In the early 1980’s League Cricket was played on Saturdays and friendlies on Sundays. The Saturday game was taken extremely seriously with not too much fun allowed. Ziggy’s day job was an Area Manager for Wolverhampton Dudley Breweries. Occasionally he had to disappear immediately after the game to secure one of his public houses after the landlord had done a runner!
In stark contrast the ‘shackles’ were off for the Sunday matches, and the team were able to have a laugh, particular with him. Sunday ‘meets’ were often at a hostelry in close proximity to the opposition’s grounds.
Paul, his wife Val, along with their daughters Wendy and Tracy, spent every summer weekend at the Club. The girls look back on those times with great fondness, filled with happy memories. They also remember their father’s unwavering dedication – family holidays were always taken Monday to Friday, because as they put it, “Dad would never miss a game”!
In both 1982 and 1986 Fordhouses hosted the ICC Associate members Trophy matches, including warmup games. Paul and Val played key roles in helping host several international teams in the lead up to the Cricket World Cup – Argentina, Holland, Singapore and Zimbabwe.
In 1990, Paul received an invitation to become Vice President of his beloved FCC – a moment that filled him with immense pride. Paul always spoke with great affection about the ‘cricket family’ and the special memories it gave him.
He was dedicated and determined player, always eager to win, yet he equally embraced the social side of the game. Always first to the bar he relished time spent with friends, old and new.
FCC wish to offer our heartfelt sympathy to Val, daughters Wendy and Tracy and all the Jackson grandchildren/family. Ziggy was a special member of the FCC family.
In memory of Paul his family have set up the following link ……
https://paul-ziggy-papa.muchloved.com
Memoir from Richard Peat …
In the 1980s there was a Russian Olympic gymnast known as Nelly Kim. The cricket club held a quiz night at the old pavilion (Taunton Avenue) ‘Ziggy’ and his team were in attendance. After every sports question he would shout out Nelly Kim as the answer. Eventually a question was asked and believe it or not the answer was in fact Nelly Kim – there was uproar in the room!