Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s General Committee today announced the nomination of Robin Smith, the former senior partner of law firm Dibb Lupton Alsop, as President of the Club. Members will vote on the nomination at the AGM in Sheffield on March 4, 2000.

The current President, Sir Lawrence Byford, is stepping down after nine years in the position, seven of which were combined with the role of Chairman. During this time, the Club has made significant progress. The Committee structure has been streamlined, a Chief executive appointed, overseas players recruited and the parlous state of the finances improved, enabling the Club to aim for a bright future in the new Millennium with improved facilities for members. Not only have the tangible assets of the club increased by £1m, but the playing staff have improved to the extent that four representatives are on the current England tour of South Africa.

The Chairman, Keith Moss, paid tribute to Sir Lawrence, saying that the Club was now in excellent shape to tackle the challenge of re-development at Headingley. A special Committee Dinner is planned for next week when a presentation will be made to Sir Lawrence. Lady Byford was also complimented on her generous support for the Club and the particular affection she had shown towards the players.

Sir Lawrence, in thanking the Committee and Members for the honour they had bestowed in choosing him to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Sir Len Hutton, said he had enjoyed making many new friends in cricket. He was privileged to have played a part in the Club’s resurgence during his tenure.

Describing Robin Smith as a young and forward-looking President with valuable commercial experience, Sir Lawrence said the future of the Club could not be in better hands. His expertise had been of enormous help to Yorkshire in recent years and his support for the Club had been of great benefit in many ways. Wishing him every success, Sir Lawrence said "I am delighted that the Committee has nominated Robin Smith as my successor. He has been closely associated with the Club as legal advisor for many years and his proven professional competence and warm personality will ensure his future success in this important role”.

Accepting the Committee’s nomination, Robin Smith said he was flattered to be considered for the honour of succeeding Sir Lawrence. He very much looked forward to the exciting challenges ahead, with success on the field of play the top priority.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Robin Smith, aged 56, was educated at St Michael’s College, Leeds, and Manchester University. He has been the driving force behind the growth of Dibb Lupton Alsop from its Yorkshire base to become on the largest law firms in the UK. Admitted as a solicitor in 1966, he became a partner two years later, managing partner in 1987, senior partner in 1993 and is now a consultant. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 1991.

He joined the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (TA) in 1964, was commissioned in 1966 and retired as Lt Colonel in 1986, after being awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1978 and bar in 1984. He is now Deputy Hon Colonel of the East and West Riding Regiment.

Mr Smith is a former member of the Law Society Council and President of the Leeds Law Society (1993/4). He is a former Governor of Stonyhurst College and is currently a director of a number of companies, including the Leeds & Holbeck Building Society and Town Centre Securities Plc. He is also local director of Coutts & Co, the UK’s best-known private bank.

For further information, please contact:

Chris Hassell, Chief Executive, Yorkshire County Cricket Club 0113 203 3603