Paul Pridgeon was presented with the David Exall Award at Worcestershire’s Gala Awards Evening in the Chestnut Marquee in recognition of the massive contribution he has made as player, coach and administrator over more than 50 years.
Pridgeon finished his career with 803 wickets and was part of squads which won three County Championship titles in 1974, 1988 and 1989.
He has been associated with the club since being invited for a trial in 1972 and in 1978 achieved List A best figures of 6-26 against Surrey.
His most prolific season saw him finish with 72 first class wickets in 1983 and he topped 50 in a season six times between 1978 and 1986.
His best Championship return was 7-44 against Leicestershire in 1987 and his 30 List A wickets the following year played a major part in lifting the Sunday League title.
Pridgeon also combined cricket with playing a good standard of non league football with Stourbridge and Kidderminster Harriers.
After retiring at the end of the 1989 season, he became cricket professional at Shrewsbury School and worked with and coached many people who would go onto become professional cricketers such as Joe Leach, Ed Barnard, Dillon Pennington and James Taylor.
He also maintained his links with Worcestershire by running the Shropshire satellite academy and for the last few years has been Cricket Steering Group Chair.
Pridgeon remains a valued Worcestershire CCC Board Member and he received warm applause from a packed Chestnut Marquee on lifting the award.
The full list of winners from the night can be found here.
