Middlesex chief executive Richard Goatley steps down due to ill health

Middlesex have announced that Richard Goatley, the club's chief executive, is to step down due to ill health. Goatley, who joined Middlesex as head of finance in 2005 and took over as chief executive from Vinny Codrington in 2015, had not been at work since April after suffering a stroke.

"I am sorry to be leaving Middlesex after sixteen wonderful years but my health and family must come first," Goatley said.

"It has been a privilege to have been a part of one of cricket's iconic clubs and I am sure I will remain in contact in future with brilliant colleagues and the many friends I have made during my time at Lord's. I would like to express my gratitude to the club chairman, Mike O'Farrell, for his kindness and understanding during a difficult time."

Former Somerset chief executive Andrew Cornish, who joined Middlesex as chief of staff in March, will fulfil the role of acting chief executive while the club begins its search for Goatley's successor.

O'Farrell said: "During his time with us, Richard brought drive and focus to Middlesex cricket which is best demonstrated by the development of the partnership between the club and the MCC. We thank him for his service and commitment and wish Richard and his family well on his path back to full health. We hope to see him at future Middlesex matches when he feels able."

The upheaval continues a difficult season at Middlesex, with the club having won just four out of 18 games in the County Championship and Vitality Blast. Finances are believed to be stretched, due to Covid-19 as well as the discovery of a historical administrative error in paying pension contributions, with a number of players soon to be out of contract and awaiting decisions on their future.