Derek Ufton to be Kent's next president

Kent County Cricket Club today announced that its President for 2001 will be Derek Ufton.

Derek Ufton joined Kent in 1946 and made his first class debut in 1949. He subsequently played for the County until 1963 as a wicket-keeper batsman, making 148 first class appearances, scoring 3915 runs, taking 269 catches and recording 44 stumpings. He was capped in 1956 and was granted a Testimonial in his final year with the Club in recognition of his loyalty and long service.

As a professional footballer he played for Charlton from 1948 to 1960, captaining the side from 1955 to the end of his career with them. He played for England on one occasion in 1953.

He has served on Kent County Cricket Club committees continuously since 1976 and is currently Chairman of Cricket as well as being an elected member of the General Committee. Derek is also a Director of Charlton Athletic FC, a position which he has held since 1984.

He is a prominent member of The Lord's Taverners, serving as their Chairman from 1990 to 1992 and as Chairman of Cricket from 1980 to 1994. Derek is also Vice Chairman of the Torch Trophy Trust.

Commenting on the announcement The Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, Kent's President for the year 2000, said: "Everyone at the Club is delighted that Derek will be Kent's President in 2001. He made his first appearance for Kent over fifty years ago and his contribution to the Club, both as a player and as an administrator, has been exceptional.

"During his playing days he demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to Kent sport as a footballer at Charlton and a cricketer with Kent. Derek has followed his successful playing career with an equally energetic contribution to both cricket and football through his long-serving participation on committees of the County Cricket Club and as a Director of Charlton."