Richard Harvey says he is determined to provide a connection throughout the county as part of Staffordshire’s new cricket committee.
Harvey will chair a new-look structure for Staffordshire County Cricket Club following the appointment of a five-strong committee.
Former county captain Harvey is being joined by Pete Wilshaw, Howard Dytham, Chris Milward and Dave Middleton in overseeing all cricket activity within the county club.
The restructured committee takes the place of the head of cricket role, which was previously occupied by Dave Cartledge, who stepped down in the summer.
Harvey, aged 50, played for Staffordshire between 1997 and 2011 – and was part of the Championship-winning side in 1998.
He played 71 Championship matches, 41 one-day games and 11 List A encounters for Staffordshire.
The stylish left-handed batsman scored 4,399 runs for the county, and also picked up 13 wickets.
And Harvey, still playing for Stone SP, is keen to help to play his part in continuing to develop cricket in the county.
They join a Staffordshire set-up at a positive time on the field over the past couple of seasons.
Head coach Andy Carr and captain James Kettleborough led Staffs to the T20 Cup title in 2023 in their first year in their respective roles.
And last season, Staffs once again reached T20 finals day, won Division One East and shared the overall Championship crown with Berkshire.
‘Playing his part’
“I’m excited to have this involvement with Staffordshire cricket as we move forward. The initial conversations and plans with Pete, Howard, Dave and Chris have been really positive,” said Harvey.
“There’s a lot of knowledge and experience in the group, so hopefully we can be of use.
“Andy and James have done a fantastic job creating the culture within and around the dressing room which led to an outstanding 2024 season.
“It would be great to think we can support them to keep that momentum going.
New cricket committee to help to shape Staffordshire’s future
“One of our first priorities, though, is to reach out to clubs and cricket supporters around the county.
“My mindset when I was captain was to recognise that the team was representing not just the 11 players on the pitch, but all those cricketers and spectators around the county who have an interest in how the county side gets on.
“Communication is vital and being approachable as a cricket committee is key to fostering good public relations.
“We want all cricket supporters in Staffordshire to have a genuine interest in the National County side and a set up that they can relate to and be proud of.”
‘Building bridges’
As well as looking forward, Harvey is also keen to tap into the past.
He insists that keeping former players involved in the county club is a key asset.
“We would like to see past players remaining connected with the club. It would be great to see more of them at fixtures over the coming seasons,” explained Harvey.
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“It’s easy and natural to move into the wings as the team moves forward. But maintaining the interest of past players will only help in creating a buzz and increasing support.
“Playing for Staffordshire takes a big commitment, and you make great mates from it. So it’d be nice to think that past players can enjoy watching some cricket over the summer and at the same time support the current crop.”
‘High hopes’
Harvey says he’s relishing the prospect of helping to drive Staffordshire forward to even greater heights.
And he’s enthused by the squad developed by Carr and Kettleborough since they became coach and captain.
“From a playing perspective the current squad is really exciting. There’s lots of young, local talent in the team and in the development side,” he said.
“I watched them only a couple of times last year but it was clear that the lads have pride in representing the Knot.
“That’s what we want all players to have – an aspiration and pride to wear the shirt.”
Main image: Richard Harvey is the chairman of a new-look Staffordshire cricket committee.
