Remembering 'Shep', the King of the Umpires

Sports fans from across the world are rightly engrossed in an already thrilling Ashes contest, prompting your North Devon Gazette to reflect on a cricket legend for the latest in our Past Heroes series.

This particular cult hero was better known for his exploits and charisma while standing behind the stumps (and at square leg) than his talents with bat and ball.

Born in Bideford in 1940, the wonderful David Shepherd (Shep), lived with his parents, who ran a post office in Instow in the 1960s. Shep was educated at Barnstaple Grammar School and played cricket for Devon Colts and England Schools.

He qualified as a teacher in Bideford and Ilfracombe, while playing Minor Counties Cricket for Devon from 1959 to 1964 as a right-handed batsman. Shep went on to score an unbeaten century for Gloucestershire 2nds, prompting his debut on the first-class scene.

He would represent the County for a total of 14 years, finally retiring as a player in 1979. He made 11 centuries in his career and, although never reaching the heights of international recognition, Shep was a well-respected County player.

Shep moved seamlessly from playing cricket to working as an umpire and was immediately respected for his calm authority, fair mindedness and all-round ability to make the right calls in the middle.

His rise in the umpiring world was meteoric, taking charge of his first international game in 1985, the fourth test of the 1985 Ashes series at Old Trafford, with Dickie Bird standing at the other end.

Shep’s bulky frame and affable nature made him hugely popular among players and supporters. He had some superstitious quirks as well, including lifting one foot off the ground when the score reached 111, as he considered the ‘Nelson’ unlucky.

Shep retired in 2005 and was awarded an MBE in 1987. He was the first umpire to officiate in a Test match in each of the test playing nations. He also went on to become President of Devon Cricket in 2006, bringing his wonderful career back full circle to where it all began.

Shep sadly left us in 2009 but will never be forgotten.