Former Bolton cricketer Charlie Dagnall has paid tribute to the late Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer by describing him as Uncle Bob'.

Dagnall played at Horwich and was professional at Astley & Tyldesley before joining Warwickshire, where he had two years under the tutelage of the former England all-rounder.

"He was a very technical bloke, and a lot of one-day cricket these days was made by him. He created lots of the cricket that we see today, but he was also a father figure - sometimes we called him Uncle Bob'.

"I remember him sticking an ear-piece in my ears when I was bowling, saying oh, no Charlie, you shouldn't be bowling there'.

"Then he was banned by the ICC from using that with Hansie Cronje.

"But that's just the kind of bloke he was - always trying something new."

Dagnall, now 30, moved from Edgbaston to Leicestershire in 2002 before prematurely retiring due to injury in 2004.

Woolmer, a former Kent player, was also Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson's first wicket in first-class cricket.

Watkinson added: "Like many, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bob's passing.

"I will remember Bob for many reasons, and not just because he was my first ever wicket in First Class Cricket!

"He played a major role in my coaching; his techniques were innovative and he modernised the way managers approach the sport.

"He was an inspiration to me; as a manager, player and a person - the sport will miss him greatly."