Durham cricket chairman resigns

The chairman of Durham County Cricket Club has resigned after a questionnaire was sent out which included the suggestion that the members' lounge might be opened to non-members.

Chairman Bill Midgley stood down after four years after saying he was unhappy at the reaction to his suggestion.

He said that because of the reaction he was no longer prepared to spend 30 to 40 hours a week representing members' interests and "trying to ensure the long-term security of Durham CCC".

Earlier this year Durham became the first new test venue in a century when it played host to the England v Zimbabwe match.

Mr Midgley said: "It was no more than a suggestion, that consideration should be given to opening the members' lounge to non-members.

"A situation which is, in fact, supported by some members of the club, although very much in the minority.

'Dire straits'

"What is more disappointing, however, is the reaction to the fact that such a question should ever be asked, and the responses have tended to be a personal attack on my stewardship of the club."

He said when he took over the club was in "dire financial straits" with the possibility of having administration imposed.

He said: "That has been alleviated but the financial problems at Durham, and cricket in general, remain.

"Quite simply, cricket does not survive on membership alone.

"The role of chairman, of what is a company and not a club, is to look after the interest of all stake holders."

'Year tarnished'

He said that included members, lenders and club sponsors.

Mr Midgley said: "To be constantly informed that we have 'sold our soul' because we have built a new stand at no cost to the club, and the resistance to any change to move forward again comes down to, in members words, 'lack of confidence in the club'.

"I was proud to be chairman of Durham CCC, but I am afraid events of recent days have tarnished what should have been a real year of achievement."

He has also resigned as a director of the club.