Photo Credit: Northamptonshire County Cricket Club
Northamptonshire County Cricket Club’s chairman Gavin Warren will become the club’s new president in October when Gary Hoffman takes over the chair.
Lord Naseby has filled the role for 15 years since succeeding the 9th Earl Spencer in 2009, making him Northamptonshire’s longest-serving president since Lord Lilford who oversaw the club’s affairs between 1903 and 1921.
He is now retiring at the age of 87 after helping to steer the County through a challenging and sometimes turbulent period of profound change – both at Wantage Road and in the English game as a whole.
As Michael Morris, he represented Northampton South as Member of Parliament between February 1974 and May 1997, and filled the office of Deputy Speaker (with the official title of Chairman of Ways and Means) from 1992 until leaving the Commons – after which he became Baron Naseby of Sandy in the County of Bedfordshire with a seat in the House of Lords.
A keen supporter of both NCCC and the Northampton Saints rugby team over many years, his stated ambition as president was to ‘keep the (cricket) club relevant.’ When, in September 2016, an EGM was called at the County Ground to consider a proposal for the club to become a limited company – thus ending nearly 140 years of collective ownership through its members – Lord Naseby publicly backed the move, which was duly approved by a large majority.
His ever-optimistic and enthusiastic comments became a regular feature of stakeholders’ meetings, but much of his most valuable work on the club’s behalf has been done behind the scenes, out of the public eye.
For 50 years Michael has been a strong voice in Parliament helping so many aspects of the County be it Northampton University with his Honorary Degree in History, Sport and Businesses or challenges facing individuals.
Whilst an M.P. he turned out for the Lords and Commons cricket club and captained the team in their annual fixture against the civil service side, the Mandarins. As he observed at the time, ‘I think it’s very important for politicians to get some exercise!’
Speaking ahead of his retirement, Lord Naseby said: “What a privilege for a President to be asked to attend board meetings to help our beloved cricket club.
“I remember all too clearly the financial and morale challenges Gavin faced when he took over as Chairman. Today thanks to Gavin’s hard work and relentless enthusiasm, our club is financially solvent as well as playing exciting cricket.
“A huge thank you must go to Gavin for all he has done”.
Speaking on his appointment as president, Warren said: “I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of many wonderful people who have had the privilege of being the President of Northamptonshire CCC.
“Lord Naseby’s support for NCCC and me as Chairman has been phenomenal, we have become great friends and I am pleased that he accepted the role as patron.
“Northamptonshire CCC is a special place and I’m looking forward to continuing my support with the many projects that the club are presently engaged with.”
NOTE:
Gavin Warren becomes NCCC’s 22nd official president since the club’s formation in 1878.
The 5th Earl Spencer – the ‘Red Earl’ – remains the longest-serving of those, filling the role between 1878 and 1902. Other prominent club presidents include Stephen Schilizzi (1929-1939), 7th Earl Spencer (1939-1948), GAT ‘Tubby’ Vials (1956-1968), Dennis Brookes (1982-85), Peter Arnold (1996-2000) and Lynn Wilson (2000-2005).
Lord Naseby succeeded the 9th Earl Spencer – 2005 – 2009
Name of Author: Northamptonshire Cricket
Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is one of the eighteen first-class county clubs in the domestic cricket structure of England and Wales, representing the historic county of Northamptonshire. Its limited-overs team is known as the Northants Steelbacks, a name inspired by the Northamptonshire Regiment, formed in 1881, and meant to honor the soldiers’ reputed resistance to strict discipline. Established in 1878, Northamptonshire initially held minor status but became a significant participant in the Minor Counties Championship in the 1890s. In 1905, the club joined the County Championship, gaining first-class status and has since competed in every top-level domestic cricket competition in England.
