News Archive - March 2002

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 and 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."

Robert Bowett Saab of Leeds has today been unveiled as the new car partner of CricInfo County Champions Yorkshire CCC.

Bowetts who primarily deal in Saab, Suzuki, Daihatsu and Honda have agreed an initial one-year deal with the club providing sponsored cars for Coach Wayne Clark and new Captain Darren Lehmann. On top of this they will supply cars for the majority of the playing staff being able to source any make of vehicle.

Other additions to this deal include offering competitive rates for both the staff and members of Yorkshire CCC, offers on car servicing will also be a part of this deal.

Commercial Manager of Yorkshire CCC, Sharon Gott commented "Bowetts have been involved with Yorkshire for many years and we are pleased to be making this official association. It is again in keeping with the Club�s aim to be associated with Yorkshire based companies".

Yorkshire's Championship Captain, David Byas (38) today came out of retirement by signing for Lancashire on a short term contract.

David said "I was happily retired after a very enjoyable career at Yorkshire, following the marvellous championship success last season, but after a little persuasion I say the prospect as an exciting challenge and hope that my experience will complement the promising young players at Old Trafford".

Yorkshire's Chief Executive, Chris Hassell confirmed that the Club had no objection to his registration and extended best wishes to David for a successful season with the Red Rose, apart from the Roses match, of course.

Lancashire were somewhat short of experience following the retirement of Atherton, the doubts with Fairbrother's fitness, the absence of Flintoff on England duties and the uncertainty of Crawley�s position. The signing of Byas was therefore a convenient solution to their problems.

The first Roses encounter is scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May 2002 at Headingley and Yorkshire�s Chief Executive felt it would enhance the attendance especially as it was a final group match in the Benson & Hedges Cup.

Previous Yorkshire Players to have traversed the Pennines have been Barry Wood, Stuart Fletcher and Gary Keedy whilst, Chief Executive, Chris Hassell travelled in the opposite direction.

On Friday 26th April Yorkshire CCC are holding a ladies day in conjunction with Chester Barrie, Lanson Champagne, Cerberus and Philip Stoner Jewellery.

The day will be the first of many events being held this season at Headingley Cricket Ground.

The itinerary includes a Champagne reception, lunch with guest speaker Christa Ackroyd from BBC Look North and a fashion show from Chester Barrie. Plus the added bonus of it being Day 3 of the opening CricInfo County Championship Match v Surrey.

Places are still available priced at �25 to Members and �35 to non-members.

For further information please contact Sharon Gott on 0113 2787394.