Neil Fairbrother to retire

Neil Fairbrother has announced his retirement from first-class cricket at the end of this season. Fairbrother, 38 has been playing his county cricket with Lancashire since 1982 and has a career that included 4 B&H Cup wins, 3 NatWest Trophies and 3 National/Sunday League triumphs, in addition to this, he captained the side in 1992 and 1993.

Fairbrother commented, "I have always said that I wanted to continue playing while I was enjoying my cricket and maintaining a standard which I found acceptable. Unfortunately, performances this season have fallen short of the standards I set myself, this obviously lessens the enjoyment of playing the game at this level."

He continued, "However, I have had a long and successful career and I am proud of what I have achieved. I have played in some great teams, with some great players and perhaps most important of all, I have made some great friends."

Club Chairman, Jack Simmons paid tribute, " He has had a wonderful career going back to 1982. I remember batting with him when he made 96 not out in his first game for Lancashire as a pro and he has provided lots of terrific memories since. He will be badly missed and I'm sure there will be a few tears when he goes."

Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson added, Harvey and I made our Lancashire debuts in the same match and it is a tribute to his commitment, as well as his ability, that he is still playing at this level 20 years later. He has been a devoted club-man."

Fairbrother's new career will be with ISM, the sports management firm which is run by Andrew Chandler, his final home match is anticipated to be the Lancashire Lightning fixture against Northants Steelbacks on Sunday at Old Trafford, start is at 12pm.