JOHN HOLDER has described it as a great honour after accepting an invitation to become the first president of the new Pennine League.
It was decided that John would be a fitting choice due to him playing in both the CLL and Saddleworth League, the two leagues that are merging for the 2016 season.
John, who played as a professional at Austerlands and both as a pro and amateur at Royton, said: “It was a surprise and I feel honoured to be chosen to be president of the Pennine League.
“It is always nice to get recognition, and my whole focus will be to help the Pennine League establish itself and become successful.”
John, a former county cricketer for Hampshire between 1968/72 and first-class umpire for 27 years, is excited by the new set-up and believes it will be a success.
He said: “League cricket is struggling with a lot of clubs in decline, some terminal. I would like to see it get back to be on a stronger and healthier footing, and it is good to see people bold enough to try something different.
“While I am sad that the leagues, two of the oldest in the country, are ceasing to exist, life goes on. I feel with the right approach and desire there is no reason why the Pennine League cannot be successful.
“With promotion and relegation, hopefully there won’t be dead games. You have to move forward and try something different.”
Barbados-born John, 70, added he remembers opposition in county cricket to games being extended from three to four divisions and also the creation of two divisions.
He said: “There were a lot of knockers saying the history of the game was being destroyed, but it has had a positive effect on the game.
“It was the same in 2003 when T20 cricket was launched and the purists described it as slogging. It has taught batsmen and bowlers to think on their feet.
“It appeals to a new audience and if it encourages young people to play the game, then it has served its purpose.”
After retiring as a first-class umpire in 2009, John had a spell working for the International Cricket Conference as regional umpires’ performance manager – effectively as a coach and mentor to umpires – for a region covering Europe, Americas and the Caribbean.
He also continued umpiring in the CLL until 2014 but quit due to the bad behaviour of players. And he is to also serve on the Pennine League’s disciplinary committee.
John was not the first choice to be president as Roger Tanner was originally approached having been president of the Saddleworth League for a remarkable 58 years.
But the 92-year-old, who lives in Greenfield, declined saying he felt unable to fulfil the duties required of him.
The rules and constitution for the Pennine League was last week ratified, another step towards the league that begins in April.
Nigel Tench, chairman of the Pennine League, is delighted with the way the new set-up is taking shape.
He said: “When you consider we have come from nothing in June to where we are today, it has taken a remarkable effort from a lot of people. It has helped, though, by the goodwill and positive talk from so many about a new league.
“Of all the changes to cricket – the formation of the Greater Manchester League, merger of the Bolton League and Bolton Association – we have probably come out best and are further ahead of the others.
The Pennine League has organised an open meeting for fans, club members and other cricket lovers at Milnrow Cricket Club on Thursday, April 7 (7.30pm) to inform them of what is happening in the league. Admission is free, simply turn up on the night.
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