Leicestershire respond to 'unrest' reports

Leicestershire have broken their silence on recent events at the club and responded to reports in the media about player unrest.

In an official statement from Grace Road, general manager Kevin Hill said: "Recently there has been a spate of reports in the media regarding the club and a number of players which, until now,we have not commented on publicly. Under usual circumstances we prefer to discuss individual concerns with individual players, face-to-face rather than through the media. We did not want to get into a public 'tit-for-tat' with anyone, especially players who have represented Leicestershire well and who have made a significant contribution to the successes we have enjoyed over the last few seasons.

"However, it is now appropriate for the club to clarify one or two key points.

"Contrary to some media reports, Vince Wells was not sacked by the club, nor did the club offer him the captaincy only to withdraw the offer.

"There is a process by which players contracts are decided and offered.The Cricket Committee is authorised to offer players contracts, but only the Management Committee has the power to offer players the captaincy and vice-captaincy. Both Vince Wells and Iain Sutcliffe were aware of this standard procedure because they were both members of the Cricket Committee and therefore part of the decision-making process.

"At a Cricket Committee meeting on 19 August, the chairman Paul Hayward, asked Vince and Iain if they would like to retain their positions as captain and vice-captain for the 2003 season. On the basis of both players' responses, Paul said he would put forward his recommendation to the Management Committee.This he duly did, as is correct and proper. The Management Committee considered the recommendations and decided to offer the captaincy to Iain Sutcliffe. Vince was told he would not be offered the captaincy shortly afterwards by James Whitaker.

"With regard to James Whitaker, James does not sit on the Management Committee and therefore was not part of the decision-making process. Media reports that he "stripped Wells of the captaincy" are grossly unfair; only the Management Committee has the authority to make this offer.

"There have been reports of player unrest. It is true that some players had some thoughts and recommendations on the running of the club. We have taken these on board and have passed them on to the Independent Body, which we announced in October, and whose remit is a root and branch reviewing of the club's constitution.

The club has been through a period of uncertainty and we are sorry if this has caused concerns to members, supporters and players, but we are confident that this is now behind us and we want to concentrate on the future.I hope to bring a new style of leadership to the club, beginning with the root and branch review of the constitution with the help of the Independent Body.

"On the field, Phil DeFreitas will be bringing a fresh approach to the captaincy next season and we hope to be announcing some more exciting new signings shortly.

"We would like to thank all the players, members and supporters for their continuing support."