David Collier confirmed as ECB chief executive

The ECB have confirmed this week's worst-kept secret - David Collier, who is currently in charge at Nottinghamshire, is Tim Lamb's replacement as its chief executive.

Collier, 49, has considerable domestic experience, having worked at four counties - Essex, Gloucestershire and Leicestershire - before moving to Trent Bridge. He also has worked in sports marketing, and the leisure industry for Sema, a Cheshire-based computer-systems company..He's also a hockey referee, and in 2002 played an important part in organising a rescue package which bailed out the England Hockey Association.

"I am delighted to have been offered the wonderful opportunity to lead the ECB into what I hope will be an era that's always recognised as one of the most successful in the game's history," said a visibly nervous Collier in front of a packed press conference at Lord's today. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to complete a full review and strategic plan for the game before the start of next season and to build upon the positive changes which the ECB has implemented during the past year."

But he recognised that taking over at the ECB would not be without its inherited problems. "I am fully aware there are still a number of issues to address," he said. Collier was asked his opinion of the abundance of non-English-qualified county players. "I wouldn't say there were too many. What I would say is that we have to get the balance right. We are concerned about the profileration of certain unqualified players. Clearly, we have to operate within the law, within EC law. So we are hamstrung by one or two guidelines. But, as part of our strategic plan, we will find the best way of engaging the maximum number of English-qualified players."

Collier was also asked if he thought there would be a long-term future for 18 first-class counties. "Yes. There is a very strong marketing arm of the game. The fact that English cricket has one of the most vibrant international audiences is no coincidence."

Turning to England's tour of Zimbabwe, Collier said he believed that England should go ahead with the planned five one-day games. "The board took the best possible legal advice over the Zimbabwe situation," he stated. "There were only two forms of acceptable non-compliance - safety and security, and the board will look at these in great depth before we do go."

Collier's starting date at Lord's has yet to be worked out, although he indicated it is likely to be at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Hugh Morris will continue in the role of acting chief executive.

David Morgan, the ECB chairman, explained the thinking behind the appointment: "We were looking for someone with a strong business background coupled with a knowledge and love of cricket. David has both qualities. Not only has he successfully led Nottinghamshire for the past five years, continuing to develop the ground into one of the most attractive cricket venues in the country, but he also has significant business experience both within and outside of cricket.

"The search for the new chief executive was an extensive and competitive one. The recruitment consultants, Norman Broadbent, received a huge number of CVs and they subsequently interviewed close to 40 candidates before drawing up a short-list of eight highly qualified people. I am delighted that David has accepted the role, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop ECB and the game as a whole."