Former Worcestershire captain Phil Neale and the County’s new CEO, Matthew Rawnsley, have agreed to become Vice Presidents of the Worcestershire Cricket Society.
Phil skippered Worcestershire through the second ‘Golden Age’ in the County’s proud history and between 1987 and 1991 they lifted seven major trophies.
He was also a fine batsman in his own right, making his Worcestershire debut in 1975 and playing for 17 years, scoring 17, 445 first class and 7,253 List A runs.
In addition Phil, 63, was one of the last cricketer-footballers in also playing for Lincoln City.
Phil, who has been England’s Team Operations Manager for the past 18 years, said: ” I would be very happy to accept this honour.”
Matthew is also delighted to accept the honour and as another ex Worcestershire player – a left arm spinner – played 46 first class and 54 List A games between 1996-2002.
Now he is looking forward to taking on the key role as CEO from March 1 after considerable success in the business sector.
Phil and Matt will join ex Worcestershire player, chairman and president John Elliott, as VPs of the Cricket Society.
Interim Cricket Society secretary Mike Hitchings said: “We are delighted that Phil and Matthew have accepted the role of Vice-Presidents of the Society.
“Phil’s success as a captain and player at New Road is well documented and now we wish Matthew all the success when he takes up his new role and we are all delighted to see him back with the County.”
The Society also has a trio of Life Members in Ann Turvey (ex treasurer and secretary), Ann Mullen (ex treasurer and secretary) and Richard Shaw (current committee member and ex treasurer).