Lancashire chief Gidney to step down after 14 years

The news came out of the blue as plans for a restructuring and a share in a new Hundred franchise Manchester Super Giants take shape.

Gidney has been at the helm for 14 years, overseeing a major transformation in finances but he has not always been a popular figure.

There was a mixed reaction on social media with many pleased with the news and other saying his contribution deserves recognition.

He joined Lancashire Cricket in November 2012 at a time when the club was close to insolvency, had lost its Test Match status, and was operating a venue in need of significant investment. In the 14 years since his appointment, the club has increased commercial revenues from £9million to £35million in 2025, transforming the Red Rose county from a position of financial instability to a stable and sustainable platform.

And he also played a role in the £75million redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford, including an on-site 250-bed Hilton Garden Inn hotel.

Following a 36-year career in sport, including two decades as chief executive at the Ricoh Arena and Lancashire Cricket, Gidney has decided to retire giving the club nearly a full year to identify and appoint a successor for 2027.

Gidney said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as chief executive of Lancashire Cricket for 14 years. Throughout my tenure, I have been acutely aware of my responsibility as a custodian of the club and have always aimed to leave it in a stronger position than the one I inherited.

“This has been a big decision, but I feel it is the right time to hand over the reins, leaving the club in a strong financial position to build on. I have loved being part of the Red Rose for all these years and am proud of the players, coaches, and all staff - past and present - for their hard work and commitment, and for allowing me to be their team-mate for such a long time.”

There were a variety of views on social media to the news.

“Outstanding news”, said one fan, and ‘‘Won’t be many tears at that announcement” from another.

But there was also recognition: “No question there will be some moaning from the usual suspects but it is difficult to underestimate the transformation from a club which had been allowed to deteriorate to the point of a financial disaster and with a dilapidated ground to one in profit with world class facilities.”

And “History will treat him kindly. He leaves behind a financially very stable club.”

Before the surprise announcement, Lancashire Cricket withdrew controversial rule changes that triggered a stormy special general meeting and has instead ordered a wide ranging governance review that could reshape how the club is run.

In a statement to members, the Board confirmed SGM1 will not be reconvened and that resolutions tabled at the abandoned April 9 meeting are now “formally withdrawn”. All votes cast at the meeting will be void.

But the power game being played at Emirates Old Trafford has been brought into focus by forensic sports investigators Gary Mason and Simon Aldis, who have published a Substack article making a series of claims about the Lancashire hierarchy’s true intentions that could result in ordinary members being sidelined in decision-making.

They say: “We are watching one of the first major English counties stop pretending that the old county game still pays. And once a boardroom reaches that ruthless, mathematical conclusion, everything starts to shift in the exact same direction, the players, the real estate, the governance, the access, the money, and finally, the existential purpose of County Championship cricket itself.”