Lancashire Cricket backs council chief as next president
LANCASHIRE County Cricket Club has nominated Sir Howard Bernstein as its next president.
In a statement the board said it had unanimously backed the chief executive of Manchester City Council for the position which has a two-year term.
Sir Howard will be nominated at the club’s annual general meeting on April 30.
The club added that Sir Howard’s leadership experience would help it to ensure it remains at the forefront of domestic and international cricket.
Chairman Michael Cairns said: “Having achieved our objective of redeveloping Emirates Old Trafford and regaining our status as a test match venue, I believe that the most important legacy that the club could leave would be a president and board of directors with the experience and commitment to ensure that LCCC remains at the forefront of both domestic and international cricket for the foreseeable future.
“In the year in which we will celebrate our 150th anniversary, this appointment is a key component to achieving this legacy. We are delighted that Sir Howard has accepted our nomination. He has made such a massive contribution through his presence and leadership toward the development of Manchester city region’s world-class reputation. His role can make a great contribution to the further growth and prosperity of LCCC.”
Sir Howard said: “Becoming the President of Lancashire County Cricket Club, whose fortunes I have followed closely since my school days, would be a great honour. The first match I saw at Old Trafford was a test match against the West Indies when Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai slogged England all over the ground. I was lucky enough to go on to witness the era of Clive Lloyd, Harry Pilling, Frank Hayes and Peter Lever, and in more than 40 years following Lancashire there have been some tremendous teams.
“I hope to play a part in building on the excellent work done by the club’s leadership in recent years by continuing to develop facilities for the Club and wider community.”
He replaces the former chairman of London Scottish Bank Jack Livingstone who Mr Cairns said had made, “a massive contribution, not only in terms of guidance and support with the modernisation of the club’s governance, but especially in overseeing the establishment of the club’s foundation”.
Mr Livingstone will remain a patron of the LCCC Foundation in 2014.
