Green steps down as Sussex chairman

David Green has overseen the most succesful period in Sussex's long history

Sussex chairman David Green has announced that he is to stand down after six years in the role.

Green has been at the helm of the reigning county champions during the most succesful period in the club’s history.

Green said: “It has been an honour and mostly a pleasure to chair Sussex through the most successful years in its long history.

“In recent months I have had to take a health induced sabbatical due to having three major operations in a 10-week period.

“I am now recovering, but will not be fully fit to resume my duties for some months to come.”

Green added: “I have therefore decided it is in the club’s best interest that I stand down as chairman from August 2. I will stay on as a main board director both of Sussex and the ECB for as long as I am required.”

Sussex have announced the appointment of Jim May, who was previously treasurer at the club, as the new chairman.

Green wished the new chairman every success in his new role saying: “I wish my successor Jim May well in taking the club forward into the exciting future competitions currently being planned.”

May paid tribute to his predecessor, commenting: “Under David’s leadership, Sussex achieved unprecedented success – winning three County Championships in five years.

“This will stand in the history books. In addition, David worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

“In particular his drive to create the youth ground at Blackstone near Henfield, the new indoor school at Hove and ensuring we maximised the Spen Cama inheritance are evidence of his contribution to Sussex cricket.

“I am honoured to be elected by the board.

“There is no doubt that county cricket faces an exciting, but challenging future.

“Uncertainty at international level coupled with domestic restructuring in 2010 means that at Sussex we will have to be smart to remain a top county.

“Off the field, the challenge of redeveloping the County Ground at Hove and improving the trading performance are two topics high on the agenda.”