“These things happen and you have to get on with it”: Changes behind the scenes at St Annes CC
St Annes CC have had a turbulent start to the week at Vernon Road with a number of departures off the field.
John Cotton is now looking to the future after announcing he would leave his role as St Annes CC chairman and trustee last Sunday.
He departed Vernon Road after a 40-year stint at the helm, along with four other officers: Graham Bainbridge (vice-chairman and trustee), Tracy Cotton (secretary), Tom Parrington (membership secretary) and Sharon Bainbridge (functions co-ordinator).
Cotton’s announcement of his departure cited ‘a breakdown in communication and the actions of certain members of the cricket committee’.
Saying he was unable to go into further detail, he told the Gazette: “I would have hoped it would have ended in better circumstances but these things happen and you have to get on with it.
“The club will always be very close to me but we will continue to enjoy our lives.
“It’s all been done on a voluntary basis. I’ve had a very good committee and it’s sad they chose to resign.”
Confirming his exit on Facebook, Cotton had written: “I have some wonderful memories as player, first team captain, committee member, treasurer, chairman and trustee.
“Memories that I will cherish forever. I still have the club in my heart and I always will.
“After over 40 years it has been a major part of my life and my family also.
“I hope that you understand that this has been a very difficult decision for all of us but we have been left with no option in these circumstances.”
In response, St Annes has moved to maintain that it is still very much business as usual.
The club wrote on Monday: “We wish to reassure our members and followers that St Annes Cricket Club very much remains open for business and we look forward to welcoming you at the club.
“You’ll be pleased to hear that the club’s existing services continue to operate.
“Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this transitional phase while we assemble our committee and administer roles.
“We understand that you may wish to be updated with developments and a further statement will be issued in the coming days, containing a progress update for you.”
The club has asked the public to email [email protected] if they have any queries relating to existing bookings or other matters.