Former Yorkshire CCC members chief sounds his support for Colin Graves

“The Colin Graves proposal is not only a welcome solution but it is the only solution of any substance,” said Mann.

“The astonishing incompetence of the current board means the challenging issues are not only financial but also operationally significant.

“Due to the atmosphere generated by Patel (Lord Kamlesh Patel, the former chair), far too many good people have left to seek opportunities elsewhere; consequently, the club is weak both financially and operationally.

“Strong management with focus and determination can rescue the club from oblivion, and it is indeed oblivion that awaits around the corner.”

The return of Graves, pictured – set to be ratified at an extraordinary general meeting at Headingley on February 2 – would see him front a new-look board that would include Phillip Hodson, a former MCC president, Sanjay Patel, the architect of The Hundred, and Sanjeev Gandhi, a former non-executive director of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Two of the current independent non-executive directors – Tanni Grey-Thompson and Leslie Ferrar – will remain, but the other six will step down along with the two member representatives.

“I trust and hope all the membership will support the Graves’ proposal,” added Mann.

“Only by doing so can we benefit from a board that has business expertise and experience as well as a passion for cricket itself – traits sadly missing in the current board.

“I hope members will vote in substantial numbers to support the proposal. Then, at last, the club can move forward and we can hopefully focus on cricket again.”

As Yorkshire face debts and borrowings of some £22m, with the Graves’ consortium set to pump around £5m into the business during the short term, Mann expressed sadness that the wheel had effectively come full circle.

Just over 20 years ago, Graves was part of the so-called ‘Gang of Four’ that helped to save Yorkshire from going under; now he is preparing to do so again.

“It’s sad that Colin has to ride to the rescue for the second time in 20 years,” said Mann, “but there’s no doubt that he is the right man.

“I think his No 2, Phillip Hodson, will be an excellent No 2, so I think the package he’s putting together in terms of his team will be very good.

“Colin has got a passion for cricket and, in particular, for Yorkshire cricket.”

Mann believes the majority of Yorkshire members will be firmly in favour.

“I’ve spoken to a number of members in the last few days and, although some have had an issue with the membership concept if that disappeared, they’re also realistic,” he said.

“Every single one of them said they would vote to support Colin.”