Philip Alderley

Alderley’s defence depended on judging the floor as carefully as the opponent. He carried different boots for timber rooms and for the covered yard. The choice was made before the corner unpacked its other equipment. He was most comfortable taking a precise step outside an advancing lead. That movement required grip, room and enough attention left to read the opponent. Alderley’s careful choice of boots belongs to the same approach as his defence: the preparation was intended to make a small movement remain dependable under pressure. His preference was for a dependable movement rather than a conspicuous one.

Recorded style: Out-fighter.