Squash is paying tribute to long-time writer Bert Mitchell, who sadly died at the weekend. He was 56.
Bert, who lived in Stirling, was a former policeman turned journalist and author and wrote his squash stories under his RJ Mitchell byline.
The Scot had produced features for Squash Mad since 2022 while he had also started writing for the Professional Squash Association since the start of the year.
“Bert was a committed, trusted and passionate writer and had a deep bond with squash which shone through whenever he pitched stories,” said Squash Mad editor Rod Gilmour.
“He loved connecting with the greats to seek their views on the current game as well as reminisce on their playing days. He was a great operator and today is a sad day for squash.”
Squash Mad founder Alan Thatcher had known Bert for 25 years.
He said: “I first met Bert in Aberdeen in 1999 when I rescued the British Open and took it to Scotland to celebrate the success of Peter Nicol.
“Bert was an enthusiastic local reporter as well as being a talented squash player. He helped enormously with local publicity which helped us to attract 1,600 fans to Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
“Bert had a massive story on his hands when Peter collapsed at courtside against Jonathon Power with the score at one game all in the final.
“Many years later I was delighted to invite Bert, by then an aspiring novelist, to enrich Squash Mad’s editorial coverage. Bert’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Nicol-Power era and the preceding decades of dominance by the Khans led to a series of brilliant interviews and exclusive articles.”
Thatcher said he spent far too much time on the phone discussing the old days when the two forged editorial plans.
“I’m going to miss those conversations,” he added.
“My sincere condolences go to Bert’s family and friends. Squash has lost a powerful voice and a good friend.”
Bert was a Glasgow policeman for 12 years and had written several crime novels based on his experiences in the force.