LEGENDARY cricket umpire Dickie Bird is set to celebrate his 92nd birthday tomorrow - and he reckons his love for sport is keeping him going.

Dickie, who lives in Staincross, has been a season ticket holder at Oakwell for more than 80 years but admits it’s been a disappointing season for the Reds.

And he says his love for the football club - as well as Yorkshire County Cricket Club - could well be what keeps him going.

He told the Chronicle: “I thought that Barnsley would go up automatically this season but it’s been disappointing.

“They’ve just slipped down the table.

“My father first took me when I was four and I’ve had a season ticket since - I might be one of the longest season ticket holders.

“I’ve seen ups and downs throughout that time.

“I think that Yorkshire have a good chance to win the championship this season, though.

“I’m hoping for a good season.

“They’ve got some good youngsters there.

“It’s the sport that keeps me going.”

Dickie’s planning to attend Barnsley’s last two home matches of the season and watch Yorkshire regularly this season - but he admits tomorrow’s celebrations will be on the quiet side.

“I’m just going to have a quiet birthday,” he said.

“If I get to 95 then that’ll be the next time I’ll have a big one.

“Then it’ll be 100.

“To make it to 100 not out would be great.

“I’m feeling good in myself.”