Yorkshire CCC appoint relative of legend Len Hutton as new chairman

NEW FACES: In place at Emerald Headingley. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Roger Hutton, 54, joint-managing partner at Leeds-based law firm Clarion, succeeds Robin Smith as chairman after being voted on to the club’s board at last month’s annual general meeting.

Neil Hartley, 64, the former right-hand batsman and medium-pace bowler, is the new vice-chairman having joined the board at last year’s AGM.

“My dad spent my childhood regaling me with stories of Len Hutton and Yorkshire County Cricket Club,” said Roger Hutton, whose father was second cousin of the legendary Yorkshire and England batsman.

“I have been steeped in the club and its history, so I could not be prouder than to be appointed chairman of the club. Yorkshire has one of the strongest and most knowledgeable memberships in the country, and I am anxious that their views are heard at a national level.

“It has a world-class facility in Emerald Headingley, and a superb bunch of players, and it has the greatest heritage of any cricket club in the world.”

Hutton was already a valued supporter of Yorkshire cricket, with Clarion principal team sponsor of the Yorkshire Diamonds’ women’s team in 2016.

Now he wants to build on the work of chief executive Mark Arthur and fellow board members to help the club from strength to strength.

“Over the last few years, the club, under the guidance of Robin Smith, has assembled an incredibly talented group of people who work in it, not least Mark Arthur,” said Hutton, who was educated at Exeter University and also Leeds Metropolitan University Law School.

“I’d like to recognise Robin’s significant contribution to Yorkshire, fulfilling such roles as chairman, president and board member over a 20-year period.

“I feel incredibly privileged to be appointed chairman in these circumstances.

“Whilst there are clearly some immediate challenges for cricket as a whole, I am most looking forward to working with all the talented and ambitious people to build on what has been achieved so far.”

Hartley, who played 133 first-class games for Yorkshire between 1978 and 1988, is looking forward to working with Hutton.

“I’ve known Roger for some time and feel we get on well both socially and professionally,” he said. “We are nicely aligned in terms of our views, and I think there is real potential for a good, solid partnership.”