Jon Filby to stand down as Sussex Chair

I can confirm, on behalf of the Club, that Jon Filby has stepped down with immediate effect from his role as Chair of Sussex Cricket.

 Jon has served as Chair since April 2022 and has given a significant amount of time and energy to the Club during a difficult period. On behalf of Sussex Cricket, I would like to thank him for his service.

The Vice Chair, Martin Richards, will act as Chair on an interim basis until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March. An independent Board Review, as part of the ECB Framework and CPA Agreements, will commence imminently, alongside a planned process to recruit and appoint new Directors, including a new Chair.

I also want to respond directly to the open letter published this week and to the strength of feeling it reflects. We fully understand the emotions behind it. Poor financial performance has left the Club in a position where we have had to seek support from the ECB and now face sporting sanctions. We know many former players, sponsors and members care deeply about Sussex Cricket, and we hear their concerns clearly.

I can only apologise, on behalf of the Club, for the position we are in. But I would ask everyone who cares about Sussex to allow us the opportunity to put things right. It will mean change, but it also requires stability, and we will be far stronger together. We will not shirk the challenge ahead, and we welcome all forms of constructive dialogue.

Alongside these governance steps, work to address the Club’s financial position is already under way, with further actions being progressed to place Sussex Cricket on a more sustainable footing.

On Monday evening we will hold a Members’ Forum. Martin Richards, Paul Farbrace and I will be present. The purpose of that forum is to provide members with insight into the challenges the Club faces, how we are addressing them, and to hear concerns and answer questions. We expect that conversation to be robust, and we welcome it.

Sussex Cricket has a proud history and an incredibly loyal supporter base. Rebuilding trust will take time, but we are determined to do so and put the Club on a more stable footing for the future.

 Mark West

Interim CEO

Sussex Cricket