David Smith resigns as Leicestershire CEO

David Smith has left his position as chief executive of Leicestershire and looks set to take legal action against the club.

Smith resigned after a disagreement with Leicestershire's chairman, Neil Davidson, and has been placed on 'gardening leave' until the end of the season. Mike Siddall has assumed the role of acting chief executive until a permanent replacement can be made.

"We had a situation where the chairman was interfering in the selection of the side," Smith told CricInfo. "I will be looking to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal against the club."

Smith, who played for Warwickshire before enjoying a successful career in the the leisure industry, has been Leicestershire's chief executive for two-and-a-half years. During that period the club has weaned itself off a reliance on Kolpak registrations, returned to modest profitability and, last winter, contributed three players for the England Under-19 squad. No county produced more.

Until now, Smith has chaired the Leicestershire selection panel. In that role he has worked with the county coach, Tim Boon, and the captain, Matthew Hoggard. Leicestershire's policy has been to provide the captain with the final decision in case of disagreement. On Sunday, however, Davidson interjected in the selection procedure.

The former chief executive of Express Dairies was a keen club cricketer, but has no first-class playing experience. Earlier this season Smith resigned from his position on the ECB cricket committee in protest at the appointment of the new chairman Peter Wright. Smith felt that first-class cricket playing experience should be a pre-requisite for anyone fulfilling the role. Smith was subsequently persuaded to stay on.