Pace-bowling legend Lawrence is named as county’s new president
FORMER Gloucestershire and England pace bowler David Lawrence has been named as the club’s new president.
Gloucester-born Lawrence, commonly known by his nickname, Syd, was announced as president at the club last Thursday, and will serve a two-year term until spring 2024.
He played in 280 matches for Gloucestershire between 1981 and 1997, taking 625 wickets. He won five England Test caps and claimed 18 wickets before he suffered a terrible knee injury against New Zealand in Wellington.
Some 41 years after making his debut for Gloucestershire at the age of 17, Syd is back where it all started for him as president, a position he says he’s “honoured” to hold.
Lawrence said he did not want it to be seen as a “token gesture” because he is black, and added that he wanted to make a real difference when it came to championing diversity and offering equal opportunities in cricket.
He said: “I’m a local boy, born in Gloucester itself, and I came to Bristol when I was 16, so to be back as president is a great honour for me.
“It does show you how far we’ve come as a club. It shows me where the game is going and needs to go.
“But I’m not here just as a token gesture, and what I mean by that is a lot has happened in cricket over the last six months, and we know we need to do more within the game. I’m happy to be making sure we are going in the right direction.
“It’s time for more diversity and I know that I’m going to be the first president of colour at Gloucestershire, and that means a lot to me.”
Lawrence has also outlined his ambitions to help inspire the next generation, from all backgrounds, to get involved in cricket with Gloucestershire during his time as president.
“I think it’s important that we get more inner-city kids playing the game – black, white, male and female,” he said.
“I would love to see a local boy walk out to play for Gloucestershire.
“That would give me immense pleasure to see that happen and that’s what we want; we all want to see more local boys and girls playing for Gloucestershire.”
Lawrence’s role will see him get involved in the club’s many community programmes, such as the ACE Programme and the newlylaunched Walkers & Talkers group.
He will also play an active role in mentoring the next generation of cricketers with the club’s Talent Pathway and Academy teams, and will work with all members of staff on the club’s ambitions related to sustainability, EDI and social inclusion.