Michael Soper, Chairman of Surrey County Cricket Club, has been confirmed as the successor to David Morgan as Chairman of the First Class Forum (FCF) and puty Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Soper takes up the positions on 1 January 2003, when Morgan assumes the Chairmanship of the ECB, and will hold the roles for an initial one-year term, until 31 December 2003. (This one-year period completes David Morgan's current two-year term of office as Chairman of the FCF and Deputy Chairman of the ECB.) Future appointees will serve a normal two-year term in these positions.

Michael Soper said: "It's a great honour to become Chairman of the First Class Forum. My aim is to ensure that the future of County Cricket is safe, to improve the facilities at grounds for our members and supporters, and to put County Cricket firmly at the forefront of all sports."

© ECB