TRIBUTES poured in from East Lancashire today following the death of cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman at the weekend.

The Australian, 92, widely acknowledged as the world's greatest cricketer, was Honourary President of the Northern League and also had connections with Accrington Cricket Club -- almost signing as their professional after his final tour of England in 1948. Bradman was Honourary President of the Northern League from 1952 for about ten years.

Norman Brown, of the League, explained: "He offered to do it because he was friends with Billy Blackledge, from Chorley, and was the Australian representative for Blackledge's textile business.

"Sir Donald only agreed to do it because of his friendship with Billy and could only take up the post on a nominal basis. He could not attend the league's meetings, or take an active part in the league, although I think he once attended a Northern League dinner in the early stages of his presidency."

And Accrington almost pulled off the greatest coup, signing the then 40-year-old Bradman before he had to pull out of the deal.

Accrington's chairman Peter Barratt said: "I think an Accrington family in Australia heard that Sir Donald was in conflict with the Australian Cricket Board.

"They told the cricket club who got in contact with Sir Donald to see if he would be their professional.

"The contracts were sent and signed but then Sir Donald rectified his differences with the Australian board and it fell through.

"It was before my time but I know we came close to signing such a great man."