THE president of the Lancashire League has paid a glowing tribute to former Australia spinner and Rawtenstall professional Terry Jenner, who died yesterday aged 66.

Jenner, best known as the leg spin mentor of Aussie great Shane Warne, was professional with the Lancashire League side in 1971, and Bert Hanson, who was an avid supporter of Rawtenstall at the time, remembers him well.

“Terry was a smashing bloke,” said Hanson.

“I wasn’t on the committee of Rawtenstall back in 1971 but was around the club watching games and I used to talk to him in the bar.

“He was a man’s man, a good man – and a good cricketer.

“He didn’t have the best of starts to his time at Rawtenstall and he used to complain about the wet and soggy wickets that he had to play on.

“Back in those days I don’t think they were as proficient with covers as we are now and he did find it difficult in the first half of the season – and he improved a lot in the second half.

“The committee opted not to re-sign him for the year after but he was a really popular figure around the club.”

As paid man at Rawtenstall in 1971, Jenner claimed 73 wickets at 14.35 and also made more than 500 runs.

He also helped Rawtenstall to a derby double over Dennis Lillee’s Haslingden with five wickets at Bacup Road and three at Bentgate.

Former Lancashire star Bernard Reidy was a young player for Enfield when he came up against Jenner’s Rawtenstall before going on to his career at Old Trafford.

He said: “I am really sorry to hear that news.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone.”

After his playing days ended, Jenner became a coach and is credited with transforming Warne into the leg-spinning great he became.

Jenner played nine Tests and a single one-day international for Australia between 1970 and 1975, capturing 24 wickets in Tests.

A little over a year after suffering a heart attack, Jenner died peacefully at his home.

“Terry passed away peacefully just a month-and-a-half after the anniversary of his heart attack,” his wife Anne said.

“He wanted to be at home with his family and we were able to share the last few days with him.

“For the past year I have continuously expressed our thanks for all the support we have had and say again we really have appreciated all the care and concern.”

Former Accrington pro Warne also paid tribute and wrote on Twitter: “Very sad day, since hearing the news of my great friend TJ’s passing.

"My sympathy to all his family – the great man will be missed.”