Rossendale Free Press

Allott to be Lancs director of cricket

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LANCASHIRE CRICKET CHRIS OSTICK PAUL Allott will be confirmed as Lancashire’s new director of cricket this week.

The former Red Rose fast bowler will take up the role which was left vacant by the departure of Ashley Giles, who combined the post with that of head coach, in December.

While current head coach Glen Chapple and his assistant Mark Chilton will continue to be in charge of profession­al cricket at the club, Allott’s over-arching role will include all cricket in the county below that.

The 60-year-old – who played 205 first-class matches for the club, taking 549 wickets in a 14-year spell from 1978 – will have to stand down from his role on the Lancashire board.

Allott played an instrument­al role in appointing former captain Chapple as head coach following the departure of Giles over the winter.

He could, however, continue his role with Sky TV, where he has worked as a presenter and commentato­r for around 20 years, although it could be scaled down.

Earlier this year, commenting on the vacant director of cricket role at the club, he said: “My perception is that the director of cricket should be responsibl­e for cricket in Lancashire, from schools to clubs and leagues – feeders into the club.

“I am very keen we have a close look at our relations with the whole of cricket in Lancashire.

“Mike Watkinson was the first director of cricket here, and his role was more away from the profession­al game – which is what I see the role being if and when we appoint one, with Glen and Mark in charge of the profession­al side of the game.”

Allott, who played 13 Tests for England, may have to oversee a huge change in cricket in Lancashire.

There are recommenda­tions from the ECB for counties to bring their cricket boards, such as the LCB, under their own wing, which could see a big upheaval in the way grassroots - and especially Lancashire age group and women’s cricket – is governed and funded in future. ●● Tom Parton scored 38 for Ramsbottom

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