Middlesex CCC are delighted to announce plans to help the future of the club by creating a “home” at Radlett CC. Vinny Codrington, Middlesex’s Chief Executive, outlines the story so far and wishes to emphasise that there is a long way to go before plans are approved:-

“It is widely recognised that cricket has changed considerably over the past few years, through central contracts, players salaries, player welfare and club development. Many other counties have or are developing their grounds to provide the best possible facilities for their players to train and practise as well as have the best possible medical and strength and conditioning support.

"Middlesex CCC is in a unique position. We play at the best ground in the world, and although the MCC have excellent facilities, they are not always available to the Middlesex players.

"The players live a somewhat nomadic existence during the summer, because they are unable to designate one place as their “home”, their place of work. For example, a former player stated that if he were at another county he would be able to unpack his car and use his locker throughout the season.

"This is not ideal, and Angus Fraser, our Managing Director of Cricket, has identified this as a key reason why Middlesex have not performed to their capabilities in the recent past. Other counties have their changing rooms, indoor and outdoor nets, a gym and medical facilities all available at their home ground, which gives the players a sense of belonging, and a routine for coming to work. We do not have that.

"Despite playing at Lord’s the players need to have such a facility to practise, have team and individual meetings, and a sense of it being their place of work. This has also been identified as a reason why we find it difficult to attract players to the county.

"It was with this in mind that we approached Radlett, who were looking at ways of maintaining and developing their pavilion. Although not in the “county” of Middlesex, members of both clubs know that MCCC have played some second eleven cricket there each year, and it is very popular. Not only is it an excellent cricket ground, but the facilities and ambience make it an ideal place for our professional squad to train.

"Radlett, through their Chairman Tony Johnson, were very pleased to have been approached, and after discussion, some plans have been drawn up. The pavilion will be re-developed, with enlarged dressing rooms, lockers, showers, physiotherapy room, facilities for women and youth cricket and a gymnasium. Upstairs will be offices for the Managing Director of Cricket, the Coaching staff and a meeting room. Radlett will also be developing office space on the first floor.

"Middlesex’s Executive and General committees approved the plans, and Radlett held an extraordinary meeting of their members, where they also approved that the idea can move to the next phase.

"It must be emphasised that there is still a long way to go before any building works are approved and work can begin. We have to consult a wide range of local groups, including the Aldenham Parish Council and the Hertsmere Council, and we have to put in an application for planning permission. A business plan still needs to be drawn up, and access to and from Radlett CC needs to be agreed.

"However, we are very excited by the project. Tony Johnson and I will be doing a presentation to Middlesex members at next week’s forum, which will be immediately following the Special General Meeting to receive the results of the ballot for the new Middlesex Executive Board. I hope to see as many members there as possible so that you can see the plans in full”.

For further information contact Vinny Codrington on 0207 289 1300.

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