After 4 years as chairman of the club I feel that now is the right time for me to declare my intention to step down, a move which hopefully will facilitate an injection of new ideas, and allow an incoming new chief executive to take a fresh approach.

While I have found my tenure in the role a highly stimulating experience, it has also proved to be extremely time consuming, a factor which in turn has taken its toll on my personal life, a situation which I am not prepared to accept long term.

That does not mean I no longer intend to continue to play an active role on behalf of the club. However, my preferred focus would be on ground development, for example the new pavilion, as well as representing the club on the General Committee, CYCL Executive and Yorkshire Cricket Board; naturally if this is agreeable to my successor.

I believe that Ossett Cricket Club has made significant progress over the past few years on my watch under the following headings: Team Performances, Junior Section Progress, Ground Improvements and the Hosting of Cup Finals and County Games.

There are however areas where I think I have failed and these are probably the most critical to the successful running of any sports club. Primarily, the financial necessity of ensuring a weekly flow of income to pay annual bills including Insurance, League Fees, Cup Fees and General Club Subscription has not been achieved. Secondly, my attempts to ensure that fundraising social events are well supported as well as introduce new event ideas to the same end have also resulted in failure.

In fact, it is the lack of success in these areas that have undermined my morale to such an extent as to become the overriding motivation in my decision to relinquish the chairmanship at the end of this season.

It is my sincere recommendation that the club should look to appoint a Marketing Manager on either a voluntary or commission paid basis to address this, as well as form a small committee that is devoted to maximising external funding in support of the clubs operating costs.

In conclusion, should anyone have a series of innovative ideas on how to move the club forward and also be interested in replacing me as Chairman or perhaps know of an ideal candidate who would be approachable to fill the position; then please contact Ossett CC Secretary, Lawrence Finnigan.

Bob Schofield

[mobile: 07846 754059 Email: robertschofield1949@hotmail.co.uk]