After a period having being a lapsed Middlesex live cricket fan, in the 2001 season I decided to be more active in following our team and started attending more matches again. This coincided with Chad Keegan’s debut season for Middlesex. I’m not sure whether it was his flamboyant hairstyle or hostile bowling that immediately caught my attention, but I remember thinking gosh we have genuine fast bowler here. And a genuine character.

My early recollection of his class was in 2002, the B&H match against Sorry, Chad ripping through their top-order gaining wickets in an opening spell that led us to an easy victory. He continued to show glimpses of this potential for us and over the next few seasons Chad was touted as a possible England prospect.

As I became acquainted with fellow MTWDers he became a bit of an icon. His ever changing hairstyles with different tones and his enthusiasm in the field caught the eye. After a good over or a diving stop, the familiar cry of “Keeeeeeegan” and “Luv It” ( based on Kevin Keegan notorious saying ) resounded round Lord’s, which Chad was happy to acknowledge and felt spurred him on.

His hard hitting batting became a feature and produced many match winning and/or bonus point gaining innings. In 2004, I was at Maidstone for 20/20 games in a losing cause, where he hit an incredible 42 in 14 balls. Next season, against Worstershire in the Tote Sport facing Vaas, in the Chad v Cha Cha battle as I witnessed on Ceefax, with seven needed off five balls, Chad hit four, two and six to lead us to a tight victory. Sometimes, Chad was used as a pinch hunter coming in at 3 in 1 day games with varying success.

A succession of injuries followed and in his last three seasons we never saw a truly fit Chad. However, my favourite Chad moment was on his first comeback game against Warks at Lord’s day 1. As we were looking for quick runs to enforce a declaration Chad was unbeaten on 34 runs off only 26 balls. Twenty five overs play remained when Warwickshire commenced their reply, and Chad continued his fairy-tale return to Middlesex colours, picking up three wickets in six overs. (The rest of that match we contrived to throw away I would rather not talk about).

Chad’s injuries persisted and one of the saddest sights was seeing him at Southgate being treated by our physios in front of the scoreboard. He was obviously in great pain, but handled the situation with great dignity.

Last season while he was perambulating with Compo and passed Turkey corner, with MTWD in urgent need of some material, I used this as an interview opportunity. As I approached, Compo rushed off at speed not seen on cricket field. But Chad , who admittedly was cornered, was happy to stay and answer questions. He gave me more time than I expected and answered questions in great depth. His passion for Middlesex came across as genuine, as well as his desire to return to fitness. He was undeterred by heckling towards me from Turkeys and my clear casual, some might say unprofessional approach to this.

I was also honoured with chants of “Are you Keegan in disguise” from some select Turkeys, admittedly in reference to dodgy haircuts, not a reflection of my cricket ability.

In 2007 we sought to bring him back carefully from his back operation in hope that he finds full-fitness and his old form. A few brief appearances with a remodelled action, with less hostility but aim of more accuracy and movement. The last time I saw him was in 20/20 against Hants he took 3-14, despite James Bruce hitting him for six off the last ball of the match. Again, his dynamic approach on field stood out, constantly geeing everyone up, always looking to be part of action.

However, his appearances were few and far between in 2007 and there was no guarantee of regaining full fitness. It was inevitable that his contract would not be renewed. This nonetheless was very sad. There are very few charismatic characters left in the game of which Chad was certainly one. Moreover, we are left to reflect on unfulfilled promise.

Chad thanks for the memories and entertainment. You are a legend and on behalf of MTWD one more time.

KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGAN. LUV IT!!!!!!!!!!!

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