LONDON—West Indies pace legend Michael Holding has been named as the new president of Derbyshire, the County club he represented with distinction during his illustrious playing days.
The 63-year-old was formally appointed at Wednesday night’s Annual General Meeting of the club and joins incoming chairman Ian Morgan who replaces the hugely successful Chris Grant.
“It is a great honour to be asked to be president of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and I am looking forward to the year,” Jamaican Holding said.
“I enjoyed immensely the few years I spent at Derbyshire and I always enjoy returning to the club. On my last visit, in September, I saw all of the facilities, all of the improvements and the infrastructure which has gone into the club.
“I am sure that the progress made off the field and around the ground will transfer on to the cricket field and that we will see some good results this summer.
“I would like to thank all members and supporters for their continued support and encourage them to keep on supporting the club in 2017 and beyond.”
Holding spent six seasons at the East Midlands county during the 1980s, taking 224 wickets at an average of 24.57. He recorded 13 five-wicket hauls with a best of seven for 97 against Worcestershire.
He remains one of the icons of West Indies cricket and one of the finest fast bowlers Test cricket has seen, having picked up 249 wickets from 60 Tests at an average of 23.68.
Since retiring from the game, Holding has become a respected television analyst.
Only last summer, he returned to the club to open the new media and business centre at the Derbyshire ground. (CMC)