HEREFORDSHIRE Cricket have announce that Steve Watkins has retired from his role as the lead officer at the organisation.

A statement from Herefordshire cricket said: “Steve will be sadly missed after being part of the team for such a long time and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement as he looks to spend more time with his family both here and overseas.

“Enjoy the next steps, Steve.”

Following Watkins’ retirement, after six years in his role, and with the support of the English Cricket Board, Herefordshire Cricket are taking the opportunity to do a full review of the set-up of cricket in the county in order to prepare for the next few years of the national strategy and the delivery of various aspects of cricket around the county.

This review will be independently undertaken by Adrian Collins who is chairman of Shropshire Cricket Board Ltd as well as chair of the West Midlands Regional Cricket Boards whilst also being on the board of the Central Sparks Regional Women’s set-up.

In his spare time Collins has close links with Shifnal Cricket Club and a deep understanding of the recreational game and particularly in a rural county. His work commences immediately and will be completed by early 2023.

As part of the work Collins will be consulting across the county of Herefordshire with a variety of people and organisations in order to determine a best-fit strategy for cricket in the county over the foreseeable future.

Additionally, Richard Cox has been appointed to assist the process on a part-time basis.

Commenting on these moves chair of the Herefordshire Cricket board Dave Phillips said:  “Firstly we thank Steve for his commitment to Herefordshire Cricket over many years as a player and administrator, but with his decision to retire we have an opportunity to test how we want Herefordshire Cricket to thrive in the next era.

“I am delighted to welcome Adrian in to do his review knowing he is an experienced operator in this field and will do a thorough analysis of our set-up.”