Gould named as new Surrey chief executive

Richard Gould, the Somerset chief executive, will replace Paul Sheldon in the same position at Surrey. Gould had been favourite for the role since Sheldon confirmed he was standing down after six years at Taunton where Somerset have been transformed on and off the field.

Last season Somerset finished as runner's up in the Championship, Friends Provident t20 and CB40 while financially they are also in a stable position while other counties struggle to make ends meet.

"The role of chief executive of Somerset is one I have treasured and I hope I have lived up to expectations," Gould said. "As a club, we have enjoyed some excellent times over the last six years and I owe an enormous debt of thanks to chairman Andy Nash for his constant support, as well as the club committee, the members, the players and the excellent staff. Somerset is a very special club.

"I am excited at the challenge offered by Surrey and it is the only county that could have tempted me away from Somerset at this time. I was born in London when my Dad was playing football for Arsenal and I played at The Oval as a schoolboy, so it is another club with whom I have significant links. It is a big job and one that I am looking forward to getting to grips with."

"Richard is a born leader. His term and contribution at Somerset speaks for itself," Richard Thompson, the Surrey chairman said. "His commitment to cricket at all levels and strong commercial pedigree highlighted Richard as a standout candidate.

"I look forward to working with Richard and feel confident his contribution will be significant in all aspects of Surrey cricket in the years to come. I would also like to thank Andy Nash and the Somerset committee for their co-operation in managing Richard's departure in such an amicable and progressive fashion."