Yorkshire's Chief Executive, Chris Hassell, today announced his retirement at the end of the season after 25 years in cricket with Yorkshire and Lancashire. During his twelve years at Headingley he has overseen a dramatic upturn in the Club's fortunes culminating in Championship success and the £11m redevelopment at the ground.

"I have been honoured to have served the Club during a very eventful and challenging period in its history, but the stresses over recent years have taken their toll," Hassell said. "So it is now time to make way for a younger man to take the Club forward into the next stage of its development.

"At 60 I now look forward to a new phase of my life and to indulge in many other leisure pursuits. I have greatly enjoyed my career in cricket and particularly in Yorkshire where the members have made me so welcome and supported my efforts on behalf of the Club.

"I have taken a particular interest in the Academy and Schools development programmes which are now the envy of all other Counties and as President of the Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association I will now have time to follow their fortunes more closely."

Hassell started his sporting career soon after leaving school at Crystal Palace FC in 1961 where he became the youngest Secretary in the Football League at 21.

During his 13 years at Selhurst Park, the Club rose from the fourth to the old first division where their first match was against Manchester United. He then had spells at Everton, Preston North End and Arsenal before joining Lancashire as Secretary in 1978 leading the Club into the modern era and planning the early stages of their ground development.

He might well have steered an entirely different career course having gained his FA Coaching badge on the same course as Ron Atkinson, but administration and development were always his passion.

Committee Chairman, Keith H Moss in paying tribute to Chris thanked him for his dedication and commitment during a particularly hectic period in the Club's development and wished him every happiness for an enjoyable retirement.

Hassell said: "I shall retire with a host of wonderful memories but my one last wish is to see the team successful at a Lord's final this season."

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