Harvey steps down at Staffs

Richard Harvey has stood down as Staffordshire captain after six years at the helm.

The Minor County have appointed Paul Goodwin, the Knypersley wicketkeeper-batsman, as Harvey’s successor.

The 30-year-old skippered Staffordshire to victory over Buckinghamshire earlier this year in Harvey's absence.

Little Stoke batsman Harvey said: "I feel that now is the right time for me to stand down as county captain.

“It is a position which I have absolutely loved and feel privileged to have held for the past six years.

“As my priorities continue to change, both at work and with my growing family, I feel that I cannot commit to the same degree.

“I take the captaincy of the club very seriously and I do not want to be in a position where I cannot give the role the attention it deserves.

“I'm very happy to say that I can hand over the reins to somebody who will dedicate the same energy and passion that I feel I have.

“I would like to thank the committee for their support, in particular, Nick Archer, the chairman, and Graham Warner, the director of cricket.

Richard Harvey thanked former Derbyshire batsman Kim Barnett for his support

“I would especially like to thank Kim Barnett, with whom I have developed a close friendship and working relationship over the years, and who has offered me advice and tips as I have grown into the captaincy role."

In his six years at the reins, Staffordshire three times finished in second place in the Eastern Division table of the Minor Counties Championship.

They were also beaten semi-finalists in the MCCA Knock-out cup on one occasion, reaching the quarter-final stages on two further occasions.

In the 36 championship matches played during Harvey's stewardship, the county won 15, lost nine, drew 11, and were involved in a terrific tied game at Longton against Norfolk.

Harvey almost led his team to Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy glory on three occasions, going down narrowly twice to Surrey in 2003 and 2005, as well as giving Lancashire a run for their money in 2004.

"The highlights of my time as captain include the very first game I skippered.

“Having to pit my wits against Adam Hollioake, who was captain of Surrey and only recently had been captain of England.”

In his championship career, which began in 1997 against Buckinghamshire, Harvey has made 73 appearances for the county, scoring 3,306 runs at an average of 33.73.

He recorded 19 half centuries and five centuries, the highest of them being 163 against Lincolnshire at Sleaford in 2005, during which he created a new county record for the third wicket of 247 in partnership with Barnett.

Although Harvey has stood down as captain he will make himself available for selection for the county's one-day matches.

"I feel I still have plenty to offer Staffordshire as a player, and hope that I can show the form in league cricket to justify my selection in the one-day squad.

“As far as three-day cricket is concerned, I am ready to take a step back and wish the team every success when the season commences."

Goodwin's first match in charge will be the Knock-out cup match against Suffolk at Audley.

Nick Archer is also to stand down as Staffs chairman after six years in the role.