SOMERSET County Cricket Club has announced that Sir Michael Barber will become the Club’s new chair.

Sir Michael is a member of the club and currently lives in North Devon.

He will take over from Gordon Baird, who as reported recently confirmed last month that he had decided not to seek a further term as Chair.

Once described by Time magazine as ‘the single most influential educator on the face of the earth’, Sir Michael Barber is a leading authority on education systems and education reform.

He has also worked on delivery and accomplishment with elite sports organisations including the Lawn Tennis Association and Team Sky.

After the appointment he said: “As an avid fan of county cricket over the years and a local person, living in North Devon, I am thrilled and honoured to take on this role.

“I hope my knowledge and experience of working with governments, education institutions and elite sports teams, will enable me to contribute, alongside others, to Somerset’s success in the future.”

Somerset CCC chief executive, Gordon Hollins, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gordon Baird for his unwavering commitment and support during what has been a turbulent time.

"His contribution to the Club has played an important role in ensuring that we are in the strong position that we currently find ourselves in.

"I now look forward to working with Sir Michael and the new Board, to deliver a Strategy designed to ensure the Club and cricket in the South West flourishes for years to come.”