Middlesex streamline to tackle their problems

Middlesex's members have welcomed plans to restructure the way the county is run.

Speaking at a consultation evening, Ian Lovett, the chairman, told members that they wanted to make changes in how the club was run and "if you think they should be different, then speak up".

He explained that changes were necessary because of the way cricket was evolving, and the county had to become more businesslike. Middlesex have long been subject to criticism because of an archaic and bloated committee structure.

The main change will be the introduction of a new managing director of cricket post, which Angus Fraser will take up early in the New Year, and he will be supported by a streamlined 13-member executive board.

That board would consist of six elected members (two to be elected every three years) in contrast to the present 18, as well as the chairman, treasurer, chief executive, managing director of cricket, chairman of the Middlesex Cricket Board and two co-opted members.

Lovitt added there would still be a membership committee and the majority of the executive board would still be voted on by the members as had been the case for 40 years.

Vinny Codrington, the chief executive, said with a smaller board it would be easier to make decisions. He explained that as things stand, he had to make up to 20 phone calls just to confirm that a player could receive his county cap.

Responding to members' questions, Codrington acknowledged there had been unrest within the playing staff, and said Fraser would be the focal point for the players' problems.