Steve James stands down as Glamorgan captain

Glamorgan Cricket announced tonight that Steve James is to resign from his position as Captain with immediate effect. He will be succeeded by his Vice Captain, Robert Croft, who has stood in as Captain for much of the season while James has been struggling to overcome a knee injury.

James, 35, had an operation earlier this season, from which it was hoped he would make a good recovery. However, the problem is much more serious than was first thought and James will now be forced to undergo a further operation. It is a more complicated procedure, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2003 season and, after careful consideration, he has taken the view that in the interests of the team he should step down as Captain.

Chief Executive Mike Fatkin said:

"We had hoped that the operation Steve went through earlier this season would sort the problem out but he's had a problem with his knee for a while now and unfortunately it now looks as though the injury is more serious. Steve has therefore decided that his best chance of making a longer term recovery is to undergo a further operation, which will be arranged in the next ten days or so. It's likely to keep him out of action for six to eight months and we'll obviously monitor his progress and assess the position towards the end of the year. "

"In the circumstances, Steve naturally wants to give himself the best possible opportunity to get back to full fitness and we will support him in that. We therefore understand his reasons for wishing to hand over the captaincy baton to Robert Croft. It is a typically unselfish act."

"Steve's tenure in charge has been very successful and we are naturally disappointed that he has had to resign. He remains a vital part of our team and if having this operation is his best chance of making a complete recovery then we will back him having it and will do everything else we can to help him."

Steve James said:

"I'm still struggling following the operation I had at the beginning of the season and the advice I have been given is that I need this particular operation in order to give me the best opportunity of playing again. The prognosis is pretty good, though obviously I am under no illusions about it taking a lot of time and work on my part. "

"Having made the decision to go for the operation I think it was inevitable that I'd have to step down as Captain. Much as though I enjoy the role it is only fair to the team that I hand over to Robert. He's done a fantastic job as Vice Captain and I think he'll prove to be an excellent Captain for Glamorgan. We have a great bunch of players here and whilst I'll miss the involvement I've had as Captain it's only right that if I'm not available someone else takes over the mantle."

"My attentions can now be devoted to having the operation and aiming to come back next season. I'm grateful to the Club for their continued support and we hope to be able to assess the situation at the end of the year before making a decision as far as 2004 is concerned."

Robert Croft said:

"These wouldn't be the circumstances that I would have chosen to take over the captaincy of Glamorgan and my thoughts are obviously with Steve. It must have been a difficult decision for him but I respect him for making it in the wider interests of the team. He's a magnificent cricketer and still has so much to offer Glamorgan and all of the players hope that the operation will prove successful and that he will be able to take his place back in the side as soon as possible. "

"I've enjoyed being Steve's Vice Captain and I consider it an honour to be taking over as Captain of the Club. We have a very talented group of players at Glamorgan and I certainly look forward to working with them and playing my part in taking the Club forward."