A SEASONAL MESSAGE FROM RICHARD GOATLEY, CEO, MIDDLESEX CRICKET
As we near the end of the year I would like to take this opportunity to wish our members and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Happy New Year.
We will all look back on 2019 with mixed feelings. Ultimately with disappointment that the club didn’t deliver on our goal of securing a return to the top-flight of the Championship from 2020 onwards, but also with some encouragement that we significantly improved our fortunes in both white-ball competitions.
Whilst there is always a desire for immediate gratification and success, it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate that the first year of Stuart Law’s leadership was always going to be one of learning. A year in which he and his newly appointed coaching team had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamics of the club and the squad, to assess the playing group, establish our strengths, and conversely to realise our weaknesses. Almost twelve months on from Stuart and his team’s appointment and I am confident that with that process conducted we are in much stronger position to build and achieve our ambitions.
This has ultimately led to some departures from the playing group and I would like to personally thank each of Dawid Malan, Ollie Rayner, Paul Stirling, George Scott and Tom Barber, all who leave the club with our best wishes having served us with distinction.
Dawid’s decision to initially resign from the captaincy of the club and then to join Yorkshire has opened the door for Stuart to appoint Australia’s Peter Handscomb as the club’s new Captain in both the four-day and fifty-over formats. Peter joins us with vast experience and a fine leadership pedigree from his time at Victoria and we look forward to welcoming him to the club next season.
Stuart is extremely confident that the balance of the squad we have here at Middlesex, with a good blend of youth and experience, has the credentials and the talent we need to achieve success, and under Peter’s on-field leadership is optimistic that we can bring this to bear in 2020 and beyond.
It has been a successful year of integrating a members’ group into the management of the club. This group has been led by former Board member Bob Baxter and my thanks to Andy Biggs, Glen Birkwood, Jeff Coleman, Martin Hadland, Steve Pattington and John Clouting for their efforts. Mike O’Farrell, Angus Fraser and I have had several meetings with the group and we have received valuable feedback on issues such as player recruitment and retention, members’ facilities, the club strategy and other such matters. This should lead to an improvement in your membership experience moving forward in 2020 and beyond.
There are always plenty of people to thank at this time of year – all who have provided their invaluable support to the club over the year.
To our playing and coaching group, thank you for your efforts and commitment to this great club. I have no doubt that your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with the on-field success you deserve. To the Middlesex staff in the office who work tirelessly in supporting the club and our members you have my thanks. To our participation team, who continue to lead the way, delivering engaging cricket programmes into our communities across the county – keep up the good work. To our Board of Directors, led by Chairman Mike O’Farrell, you all have my thanks for your commitment, expertise and dedication, and to our sponsors and commercial partners, my thanks go to you, for without your financial support and commitment we would be unable to operate as we do.
Finally, and most importantly, to our members and supporters – the real lifeblood of our club. I would like to personally pass on my thanks to each and every one of you. When results aren’t going our way your unwavering dedication and support is a credit to you. I give you my assurance that we are doing all in our power to bring back the good times and make you proud of your allegiance to Middlesex Cricket.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.
I sincerely hope you all have an enjoyable festive period.
Richard Goatley – CEO, Middlesex Cricket
FESTIVE PERIOD OFFICE CLOSING HOURS
A reminder to everyone that the Middlesex offices will be closing for the festive period at 5pm on Thursday 19th December 2019 and will not re-open until 9am on Monday 6th January 2020.
