Settle Cricket Club has announced significant changes in the structure of the club and the signing of a new professional.

The club announced that it had dismantled its old ‘Victorian’ management structure and that power had been dispersed to three sections, involving over 20 people, set up to take the brunt of the playing, ground and clubhouse developments.

“This restructuring of the club will give ownership and decision making to the very people that it is set up for, the players, members and the local community.

“The Marshfield is a great place, the club is moving in the right direction and we are saying to members and others we want your ideas, let’s be innovative and keep going forward,” said club spokesman Peter Metcalfe.

“The club has been split into three with junior, cricket and management groups, each being chaired by experienced leaders. It also means that the workload has been dispersed and now anyone taking a position within the club can operate in a sane environment.

“We have the right people in the right slots, with local businessman Paul Strickland overseeing business operations; long-serving player and double-winning skipper Andrew Davidson lending his experience and skills to lead the cricket section; and Hellifield’s Tim Larmour chairing the 12-strong junior section.”

Off the field the club is focused on repaying loans for the building of the new clubhouse and changing rooms. A series of key community events are being planned and the club is hopeful of some major sponsorship deals to coincide with the new season.

On the field Tim Green has been appointed skipper for his first full season in charge, with wicketkeeper David Worthington assisting.

Davidson, with the pro, team captains and former New Zealand Test player and now Giggleswick School coach Mike Shrimpton, will oversee coaching/ training sessions at the club on Tuesdays.

He said: “It’s high time we involved Mike at the club. He is one of New Zealand’s top coaches and he has been a key figure in the development of our younger players at Giggleswick School and it is only right and logical that he can continue working with them, and others within the club.” Continuing the New Zealand connection, Settle have signed 24-year-old Canterbury all-rounder Brent Findlay.

Davidson said: “It was a case of finding the right player and person for the club within a very limited budget. After short-listing seven players with the right credentials, it was a case of getting other peoples opinions, including former Test star Dayle Hadlee, head of New Zealand’s coaching set-up, to find out the background of the individual.

“We wanted a lad who will obviously perform on the park and be a match winner with ball and or bat, but just as important, someone who will immerse himself in the club in terms of the junior coaching programme, the local schools’ Chance to Shine Scheme and just muck in and be part and parcel of the club and community.

“Brent has represented New Zealand at U-19 and Academy level and broke into the state side last year, but missed the cut this time. He is ambitious and this phase of his cricketing education will be an important one for him as he tries to take the eyes of the state selectors. Even though he will be many miles away, they do track the performances of the young lads pro-ing over here with interest.

“A good season with us will launch him back into the spotlight and further his ultimate Test status ambitions.

“He is a nice lad and is keen to do well and make his mark within the community. He is looking forward to working with all the players, which will include Friday junior evenings at the club; Tuesday evening net sessions; as well as touring the local schools throughout the summer term.

“He will also help out at Giggleswick School on Wednesdays, a link which has become stronger over the years. The school has been tremendous in helping us organise accommodation for Brent and we are indebted to the Head Geoffrey Boult and Dave Muckalt for their co-operation.”

“Even though we have had a ‘golden era’ in terms of success at the club in recent years, we are still searching for that professional who will have a positive impact on the field, in the community and become solely immersed in the life and running of the club. I would like to say to Brent at the end of May, here is another contract.” “He has a golden opportunity to set his stall out, impress people, do a good job in the schools and on the field and help us win matches. If that happens he could be with us for a long time.”

Green, plagued by a knee injury last term, is hopeful of developing a strong-knit local squad with the emphasis on stability and developing a team which will compete.

“We will start by having consistency in selection, putting out the best available team on merit and at the same time treading the fine line between youth development and winning cricket matches,” he said.

Metcalfe also invited newcomers to the area to join the club, saying: “We have the most beautiful of grounds, the ECB have named us as one of the top 200 most progressive clubs in the country, we have a brand new clubhouse with top-notch social facilities and a new young pro on the edge of his state team. For newcomers interested in the game, or who just want to join for social reasons, then the time is ripe and we want newcomers to the area to come and get involved.”

p Winter nets on Sunday mornings at Giggleswick School started last Sunday and continue at 10am each Sunday.