ACCRINGTON legend David Lloyd is back where his cricketing life started – and says his new role as president of his hometown cricket club is one that he will savour.

The 64-year-old has filled the breach at Thorneyholme Road left when Peter Barratt died earlier this year and admits he is proud that he was approached by the club.

And he wants to be as hands-on as possible when the schedule of Sky Sports duties allows.

“I went down to the ground last Thursday and watched the kids in the nets,” he said. “And I couldn’t help but get involved and give them a few tips and put them few a couple of fielding drills.

“I was only there in jeans and t-shirt but I couldn’t help myself, Accrington CC is where it all started for me when I was 11 or 12 and now at 60-odd I am back and involved again.

“It goes around in cycles and it is important to look to the future.”

The former England Test and Lancashire ace, who scored some 27,000 runs during his career, intends to work towards improving the facilities at Accrington.

“I want to bring everything together at the club, he added. “Like all clubs there is a bit here a bit there and some somewhere else.

“I want to make everything clear and in one place and while I can’t be at every meeting I want to be hand-on in the role when I can and ask a few of the awkward questions.

“It was an honour to be approached to become the new president. I knew Peter very well and I know he has left some big shoes to fill and I intend to do my best to continue his legacy. I am very excited to be able to get stuck in and help the club fulfil its potential.

“I am looking to improve the net facilities over the next two years. The nets at Lowerhouse are smashing and I believe it is similar at Ramsbottom and I want to have the same at Accrington.”

Lloyd’s new role at Accrington follows Surrey batsman Michael Brown’s decision to take over as chairman of his hometown club Burnley.

And Lloyd reckons that can only increase the profile of the Lancashire League - and the quality.

“I was speaking to Michael the other week and we are both similar in our attitudes about the future,” he said.

“People all over the world know the Lancashire League - and I know that from when I am travelling with Sky.

“I used to tell people I was from Manchester - but people know the Lancashire League wherever you go.

“They also know Accrington because of Stanley, when I say I am from Accrington they reply “Stanley” or “milk”. It can get a bit tedious but you get used to it.

“I have been given a Stanley shirt and that is going to get used when I am out in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the Pakistan v England Test matches this winter.”

On the field Accrington are flying this year and are joint top of the table with Lowerhouse.

Pro Ashar Zaidi was the first man to break the 500-run mark this season and Lloyd watched them beat East Lancashire on Sunday.

“The lads are doing well at the top,” he said. “They have a cracking pro, he’s a good ‘un, and hopefully they can go all the way.”

To help pay off a debt owed to Thwaites, the club has developed a bond scheme to raise the necessary funds. Bonds are available to purchase at £1,000, £500 and £100 paying interest at two per cent per annum and are repayable after 15 years.

For more information about the scheme contact Stephen Davies on 01254 382418 or 07780 517641.