ROD Kenyon admits he has a "hard act to follow" after taking over the helm at Accrington Cricket Club.

Peter Barratt stepped down as chairman after 12 years although he had been involved with the club since 1980 when his son Paul played as a junior.

Rod admits he is sad to see Peter go - although Peter will still be involved as the club's new president - but Rod is now looking forward to the challenge.

"It is a privilege to be asked to be chairman," said the 56-year-old.

"Peter has done a tremendous job, and put his heart and soul into it. He has had to step down due to ill health but I think if he could he would have kept going."

"He is such a hard act to follow, he worked so hard for the club, but I know if I need anything Peter is only a phone call away."

Rod has been involved with the club since the early 1960s and has always been a one-man club.

"I was a junior member and I remember my hero Bobby Simpson was pro-ing at the time."

"It was my teacher, Frank Rushton, who was captain at Accrington at the time who got me involved."

He admitted he was "never good enough" to go above junior or third team level but always watched or was involved behind the scenes.

"I used to go and watch with my grandad and dad and it has just snowballed from there. I have been involved in coaching in various capacities over the years."

Rod also liked his football, managing two sides at Whinney Hill Football Club and started Accrington Stanley Juniors.

"I have been around a bit!" he laughed.

It is a tough job for Rod as Accrington had losses of around £5,000 last season and have set up a working party in a bid to raise more money for the club.

This starts with a Race Night at the club on Saturday 28 February starting at 8pm. Then there is a Gala Dinner - for men and women - with snooker legend Willie Thorne to be held on March 19 at the King Street Club. The cost is £20 for tickets and for further details ring Rod on 01254 387864.

But the most urgent task is getting a professional for the season. "I can't say a lot until it is signed, sealed and delivered but it is going very well," he added.

  • RISHTON Cricket Club are also close to signing a paid-man, according to chairman Rod Simpson.

They had come close to signing young Australian Mark Cosgrove who plays for South Australia. However, the deal was called off by his state at the last minute and they have been forced to look elsewhere.

"We are pretty close to agreeing terms with a player." confirmed the chairman.