As Chairman of the Hampshire Cricket Members Committee I was upset and dismayed to read the comments made by ECB Chairman, Giles Clarke, in yesterday’ s Independent and Daily Mail newspapers, in relation to Rod Bransgrove, Chairman of Hampshire Cricket.

Mr. Clarke comments in the Daily Mail that ‘Rod Bransgrove is a proprietor and is seeking to make money out of cricket. He’s in a different position to those of us who are manifestly not in it for the money.’
It will be clear to anybody associated with Hampshire Cricket that this could not be further from reality.
There is little doubt that Hampshire Cricket would not be in existence today, without the selfless intervention of Rod in 2000, when the Club was on the brink of financial disaster after its move from Northlands Road to The Rose Bowl.

At that time Rod was no more than a passionate and loyal supporter of the Club and his financial injection, combined with the application of his undoubted commercial acumen was all about ensuring the future of one of the oldest County Clubs in the country.

Elsewhere in both the Daily Mail and Independent articles, Mr. Clarke professes his love and passion for the game of Cricket. I know very few people with more genuine passion for and understanding of Cricket, let alone Hampshire Cricket, than Rod.

He certainly wants the best for the Club, both on and off the field and he is tireless in the pursuit of these goals, but for Mr. Clarke to suggest that this is purely for Rod’s own financial benefit, is disgraceful and will not be recognised by anyone associated with Hampshire Cricket.

I speak for all Members of the Club when I say that we are proud to have such a passionate and sincere Chairman who cares genuinely about our supporters and the welfare of players everywhere, we refute, absolutely, the unfortunate and unfounded comments made by Mr. Clarke.

Back to news

• Share
• Email
• Print