Leatherdale was 'immensely grateful to have been given the opportunity to start my cricketing career at Worcestershire' © Getty Images Enlarge

David Leatherdale has announced his retirement from Worcestershire to take up the post of commercial director for the club on a full-time basis, having combined both financial and playing roles during the 2005 season.

Leatherdale joined Worcestershire in 1987 and was a key player in the trophy-winning teams of the late 1980s and early 90s. As a player, he will be remembered as a high quality allrounder and an excellent fielder. During the 2005 season he passed 10000 first-class runs and 5000 one-day runs, and took 315 wickets in both forms of the game, the highlight of which was his 5 for 10 against the touring Australians in 1997.

"I am immensely grateful to have been given the opportunity to start my cricketing career at Worcestershire some 20 years ago," said Leatherdale, "and would like to thank the club for their faith over this time.

"Since playing my first 2nd XI match in 1985 and joining the playing staff full time in 1987 there [have] been numerous highs. To be part of the revival of the club in the late 80s and play in a winning championship and one-day side with the likes of Ian Botham, Graham Dilley and Graeme Hick are times I will remember fondly.

"The friendships I have built up with individuals directly involved with the club, as well as members and those outside, will live with me for a long time to come and I look forward to my future off the field with the same enthusiasm I did when starting my career on it."

Mark Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive, paid tribute to Leatherdale's commercial prowess: "Since becoming commercial manager back in January, David's performance in the role has been outstanding. In just nine months he has delivered a commercial surplus that is both above budget and an increase on the previous year. He has secured a number of new sponsors and the announcement of the Elton John Concert will present a huge commercial challenge. We are delighted that David has chosen to take on the role of commercial director."