David Capel
Posted by on 10 September 2020
Club members will have been saddened to hear of the untimely death of David Capel last week at the age of 57 after a long illness.
David, who was one of the finest all-rounders of his era, spent 33 years at Wantage Road: as a player from 1981 until 1998, he subsequently became Director of Excellence and later Head Coach. He was inducted into the Northamptonshire Hall of Fame in 2018.
David also played 15 test matches for England and, on his debut against Pakistan in 1987, became the first Northamptonshire born player for 77 years to win an England cap.
On the field, David was a fierce competitor but off it has been described as “a lovely man”, “a true gentleman”, “a kind and gentle person” and “a generous spirit”.
Some of our more senior members will remember his speech at a Club Dinner in the 1980’s, which he was happy to give, unlike many other personalities, without a fee. David’s generosity was also exhibited in his support for the Ouse Valley branch of the Lord’s Taverners, of which our Vice President, Alastair Brooks, is Chairman.
Alastair commented “David was a great clubman, friend and mentor to many as well as being a fine sportsman in every sense of the word. He will be sorely missed.”
The Club extends its deepest sympathy to David’s family and to Northamptonshire CCC.
