Suffolk CCC announce new chair

December 16, 2019

FORMER Suffolk batsman Andrew Squire admitted he has some ‘big shoes to fill’ after being elected as the new Chairman of Suffolk County Cricket Club.

The 55-year-old, who made 69 Minor Counties Championship appearances following his debut in 1985, takes over as chairman from Norman Atkins MBE, who has stood down after 25 years in the role.

Squire, who said he was ‘a little overwhelmed’ when approached about taking up the post, was voted in as the new chairman at the AGM held at Copdock & OI CC on Thursday.

He said: “It means a lot to me and I see it as a great privilege and honour. I have some big shoes to fill as Norman’s successor and I know I have a lot to live up to.

“However, we are at the end of one and at the start of a new era with an extremely exciting season ahead of us. The re-structuring of Minor Counties (MCCA) cricket after its inception 124 years ago to the new National Counties Cricket Association (NCAA) brings a new dimension with the automatic promotion and relegation within the current Western and Eastern Divisions.

“With Suffolk having qualified for the Eastern Division One we have
some tough challenges ahead but are very much looking forward to
it. Not forgetting the ECB 50-Over showcase game versus Kent at
Copdock next July.”

Squire, who still plays for Mildenhall CC and Suffolk Over-50s and coaches the county’s Under-17 side, said Suffolk cricket had been in his blood since he started playing for the U13 county schools’ side.

He stated: “With over 40 years being involved as a player and coach, I would like to think I have plenty of experience on how Suffolk cricket goes about its business.

“I would like to think I will be visible and approachable around the Suffolk cricket and local league circuit during the season.”

Squire identified the Suffolk Young Cricketer (SYC) development pathway and performance environment as the key area that both he and head coach Andy Northcote will be working on.

He said: “We want to create an environment where players can reach their full potential and to produce a home-grown Suffolk first team (and beyond) will be one focus.

“Creating the most effective high-performance environment for our Suffolk Men’s and Ladies’ teams is also a high priority, so they are able to compete and fight any challenges that come their way.

“Overall, I would like to think we can improve relationships with all clubs and schools to improve their awareness of what Suffolk cricket is looking to achieve long term. If we are able to develop and nurture a love of the game and our county we are moving in the right direction.”

Norman Atkins, who underwent heart surgery in September, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to do the job as chairman of the past 25 years.

“The highlights of my tenure were winning the Eastern Division of the Minor Counties Championship in 2005 and then the MCCA KO Trophy at Lord’s two years later.”

Words – Nick Garnham

Image – New Suffolk CCC Chair, Andrew Squire

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