By Elliott West
Introduction
On Christmas Eve came the sad news that Frank Adamson had passed away. Frank from the heart of the West Country, Bristol to be precise, was well known within the snooker community as a brilliant snooker coach and definitely one of the best at his craft. Throughout his life until his passing, aged 93, he helped the progress of many junior, amateur and professional snooker players, providing a practical helping hand with their technique. Adamson was the human light bulb that lit up when a player was flagging and needed a new way of working. Someone who was a rare breed and a true treasure.
The Proof
You don’t have to look far to see examples of Frank Adamson’s legacy. His C.V. Is impressive, and instrumental to the playing careers of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Daniel Wells. O’Sullivan spent a whole year working with this snooker maestro and believes that if it hadn’t been for Frank’s input, he would never have won seven World Championship titles. Adamson welcomed O’Sullivan into his family home and Ronnie remembers his time with Frank and his wife Loretta fondly:
“It was amazing. It was probably the best and the hardest time of my snooker career. I knew I had to sort my game out, and I knew he was the person to do it. So big love and respect to Frank, and his wife Loretta. Amazing family. Amazing couple. Love him to pieces. I loved his cheese and ham sandwiches. Just a great guy. Sorely missed.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan
The Missing Jigsaw Piece
Frank was definitely that missing jigsaw piece that those that worked with him needed. So good was he at his craft that you will be hard-pressed to find a single bad word said about him. He was just a lovely guy, definitely a rare breed in our changing times and someone who passionately loved snooker and was prepared to dedicate a large part of his life to the game with the selfless aim of helping others. Snooker is like a secret code with so many possible combinations. The key is finding your own style that works and Frank seemed to have that magic touch of finding it for many in their hour of need.
Frank Adamson was a humble man who always saw himself as the student rather than the teacher. He was the Dad you would have wanted to have and his company was trusted. You walked out of a room after spending time with Frank, knowing that anything was possible and that you were several steps closer to achieving your goal. If you want to hear someone singing his praises, just knock on the snooker coach, Nic Barrow’s door. Nic spent a large amount of time with Frank and credits him as the reason for where he is today.
Afterthoughts
Frank Adamson will be sorely missed. A man who helped Stephen Lee become the player he was before he plummeted off the professional tour. Great snooker coaches don’t grow on trees and if you spent some time with Frank, you felt that you had just won the lottery. He was that winning ticket that lit up your day and left a lasting impression in your life. A bright and guiding star that will continue to burn bright in the lives of those he affected with his magic touch for many years to come.
