Northants admit need for financial help

Northamptonshire chief executive, Ray Payne, has admitted that the club are talking to the ECB about financial assistance but denied that they are considering selling their ground and moving to a new home.

Responding to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Payne told the BBC that Northants were "not the only club talking to the ECB and local partners about how they might survive," but insisted "the future of the club is firmly at Wantage Road."

"We're certainly not moving grounds," he said. "I'm not sure where that story came from."

However, ESPNcricinfo understands the club produced a secret report which contains plans for a new ground near junction 15A of the M1 on land currently owned by the council. The ambitious plans included building a roof over the stadium, though its position on a flood plain might counteract such benefits.

Progress stalled when it proved difficult to obtain the substantial investment required, though hopes remain that partners - quite possibly from India - might be found for the project.

It seems unlikely Payne would be unaware of the plans but, a week ago, the club denied to ESPNcricinfo and the BBC that they had asked the ECB for financial assistance.

"Any contributions are welcome," Payne said. "We're asking the ECB what financial support may be available. There is some debt, but not as much debt as some other clubs.

"It's not an emergency loan. It's about longer term cash flow. It's not do or die for the club. Dire is probably the wrong expression.

"Is it half-a-million pounds, a million pounds or a quarter-of-a-million pounds? We don't know. Is it in the form of a loan, a payment or for capital investment? That's what we're trying to establish.

"First-class cricket has issues. We are not the only club talking to the ECB and local partners about how they might survive. But there is no panic and no worry at the club."