Board Updates and Statement of Accounts

Sussex Cricket Limited’s Annual General Meeting was held at The 1st Central County Ground on Tuesday 29th March. A new Chair and Vice Chair were subsequently voted in at a board meeting on Tuesday 5th April, following the news that Bob Warren had stood down following the end of his term.

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Jon Filby has been appointed the new Chair of the Board, with Martin Richards being appointed Vice Chair.

On news of his appointment, Jon said: “I first became a Sussex member in 1971 and I feel hugely privileged to have been elected as Chair of Sussex Cricket. This year we are celebrating 150 years of cricket at The 1st Central County Ground.

“My job now is to harness the widespread passion for cricket, and Sussex Cricket in particular, that exists across the county to secure the future of the game in Sussex. I urge all Sussex Cricket supporters to come out and support our teams. Your support has never been needed as much as it is now, and I look forward to seeing you all at Hove this summer.”

Outgoing Chair Bob Warren commented on the changes: “I would like to congratulate Jon Filby on being appointed the new Chair of Sussex Cricket Ltd.  We are gradually coming out of the Covid environment, which should mean that the organisation should be able to possibly accelerate the programmes undertaken in the last few months.

“These programmes relate to improving the playing staff and the re-building of Hove which should provide the funds to re-invigorate the organisation. Jon will chair a young and largely new board, but as the board will be backed up by a highly competent and committed staff, I am sure he will succeed.”

Joining him on the Board will be new appointees Ian Gould and Fiona Richards.

Former player, captain and international umpire Gould will bring a wealth of cricket knowledge to the Board. Fiona Richards has been appointed our new Treasurer and will be able to utilise her extensive financial expertise, along with a huge commitment to recreational cricket in the county.

Jason Robinson will step down from the Board following his term as a co-opted director.

At the AGM last week, the members were presented with the accounts for the year ending October 2021 by retiring Treasurer Ed Putnam, who will remain on the board.

The club announced a sixth set of financial statements consolidating the integrated Sussex Cricket Limited to include the Sussex Cricket Foundation and shows an overall operating profit of £335k.

Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Rob Andrew reflected on the AGM and Board announcements: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Jon on his appointment as Chair and look forward to working with him as we drive the club forward over the next few years.

“I would also like to thank Bob Warren for his assistance in helping guide the club through a very difficult last two years. As the financial results show we have weathered the Covid pandemic well so far and are in a very strong position financially.

“We also continue to push on with our masterplan development, with phase 1 of construction in full flow at the entrance to the ground. The scheme will see a new Sussex Cricketer pub, 37 apartments and 12,000 square feet of new offices. We expect completion in the first quarter of 2023.

Rob goes on to discuss his thoughts on the professional team ahead of the 2022 season: “On the playing front we are excited by the season ahead and Ian Salisbury and James Kirtley have a clear strategy over the next few years.

“I am also looking forward to the contributions of ex-players Chris Adams and Tony Cottey who have joined our cricket committee, as well as Ian Gould who has joined the main Board.”

The AGM gave Sussex Cricket the opportunity to update the members on the current state of play regarding outground cricket. Rob continues: “As discussed at the AGM we will not be able to play any outground cricket this year. We have very little cricket at Hove in August due to the Hundred and feel it is appropriate to keep as much cricket as possible at Hove. We continue to work closely with Arundel, Horsham and Eastbourne to see if there are opportunities in the future.

“There are lots of challenges ahead and serious discussions to be had with the ECB over the future direction of first-class cricket. Jon and I, along with the rest of the Board will work tirelessly to protect the long-term future of Sussex County Cricket Club. As we celebrate 150 years of playing cricket at Hove, we can look forward to the future with optimism on and off the field.”

Please see the Statement of Accounts below. Click to open in full screen.