Middlesex CEO Richard Goatley steps down

Goatley, who first joined the county as head of finance in 2005, has been off work since April after being taken ill

Richard Goatley has stepped down from his role as chief executive at Middlesex due to ill health.

Goatley, who first joined the county as head of finance in 2005, has been off work since April after being taken ill.

Former Somerset chief executive Andrew Cornish has taken over in an interim capacity, with Middlesex beginning a recruitment process for a permanent replacement.

Goatley said: “I am sorry to be leaving Middlesex after sixteen wonderful years but my health and family must come first. It has been a privilege to have been a part of one of cricket’s iconic clubs and I am sure I will remain in contact in future with brilliant colleagues and the many friends I have made during my time at Lord’s.

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“I would like to express my gratitude to the club chairman, Mike O’Farrell, for his kindness and understanding during a difficult time.”

In addition to his initial role, Goatley became the club’s finance director in 2008 and chief operating officer in 2015, before replacing Vinny Codrington as chief executive shortly afterwards. Middlesex won the County Championship a year later.

O’Farrell added: "During his time with us, Richard brought drive and focus to Middlesex Cricket which is best demonstrated by the development of the partnership between the club and the MCC.

“We thank him for his service and commitment and wish Richard and his family well on his path back to full health. We hope to see him at future Middlesex matches when he feels able.”