So, farewell, Freddie Flintoff...

Forget the stats, forget the pedalo, forget the Ashes defeat in 2006/7 , writes Shropshire Star sports editor Dave Ballinger.

Andrew Flintoff was box office in the modern cricketing arena.

If Freddie came in to bat, or started a bowling spell, the bar staff knew they were in for a quiet time – until he was finished and the fans were back in the bar talking about what they had just seen.

I've been lucky enough to witness some of Freddie's fantastic feats over the years at close quarters.

First there was the century against the West Indies at Edgbaston in 2004 where even his own dad couldn't catch him in the stands.

I was also lucky enough to be at Edgbaston for the first day of the famous Ashes Test in 2005 when Flintoff was part of the England onslaught which saw over 400 runs scored on the first day - he almost hit one of his sixes directly at me in the Eric Hollies Stand.

Another highlight was seeing him take an amazing diving catch at wide second slip in a one-day international against South Africa – he shouldn't have got anywhere near it.

Memories of Flintoff the bowler come more from watching on the television – amazing spells against the Aussies at The Oval in 2005 and Lord's in 2009 spring to mind.

And yet he took only three five-wicket hauls in Tests, and scored five centuries – compare that to Sir Ian Botham's 27 five-wicket hauls and 14 centuries.

But Flintoff acted as England's talisman like no other since Botham.

He lifted spirits amongst team-mates and instilled fear in opponents – including the Aussies.

But above all he played the game with a smile on his face.

Remember the famous 'Mind the windows' sledge to West Indian (and former Madeley) fast bowler Tino Best at Lord's?

Tino then proceeded to try and plant the ball in to the pavilion and got stumped.

Remember the celebrations after winning the Ashes back in 2005 – the same as many club cricketers will enjoy up and down the country in the next couple of weeks as league campaigns come to an end.

And remember how, in the heat of the emotional victory over the Aussies at Edgbaston in 2005, he found a moment to console Brett Lee after England won by the narrowest of margins?

For all that charisma, charm and career highs, let's raise a glass to toast Freddie Flintoff and wish him a happy retirement.

He'll probably join us in the bar!