Barmy life of cricket-mad Blackburn man (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Barmy life of cricket-mad Blackburn man

10:00pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News

ERIK Lawrenson is just barmy about cricket.

Following England around the globe with the Barmy Army fan club, the 64-year-old has become famous in the cricket supporters’ world.

Travelling as far and wide as Australia, Dubai, Bangladesh and India, the former military communications worker estimated he has spent thousands on making sure he catches all the important games.

“I have been a cricket fan and a football fan since I was young,” said the grandfather-of-one, who moved to Blackburn from Liverpool in 1988 and also referees amateur football in his spare time.

He said: “I have been to some fantastic places with the Barmy Army and have also been in an Indian newspaper when they did a big spread about the colour of cricket.

“But I also watch England at home as well and the best stadium in the UK in my opinion is Trent Bridge.

“It is the camaraderie that goes with it that I love.”

Erik, who retired in 2008, only started following England in 2010 and said his biggest claim to fame was appearing on Sky Sports with an inflatable swan in honour of his favourite player.

He said: “I am known as Erik who loves Graeme Swann.

“I have an inflatable swan which I blow up every time he comes on and everybody who knows me looks out for it on TV.”

In March, Erik is hoping England will defeat New Zealand during their first tour of the country since 2007/08.

And then he is planning to see the World Cup in Australia, where he will spend time with family in between watching some of the matches.

He is also considering going to South America with the Barmy Army to try out a few new venues.

Erik said: “My family doesn’t mind me being away so often. They love it because when I go abraod. I FaceTime them so I still keep in touch.

“And I always bring back shirts for my granddaughter Eve.”

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