New supremo Toby Shaw has backed Shropshire to go from strength to strength as a Minor Counties cricket force.

Shaw replaced Bryan Foulkes as chairman of Shropshire County Cricket Club in what was a planned succession at Tuesday’s annual meeting at Shrewsbury.

And he is full of anticipation at the challenge which lies ahead both on and off the field in what represents a new era.

“It is a very exciting time,” said Shrewsbury-based Shaw.

“The club is in very good shape, both from a financial and playing perspective with a fantastic captain (Ed Foster) who leads by example.

“We have worked hard to get into this position and a lot of Minor Counties will be envious of our position. Bryan will be a very hard act to follow but we will be looking to get everything in place off the pitch to give the players every chance to perform to the best of their abilities.

“We are getting recognised nationally for what we are doing and I think we are a leader in Minor Counties cricket rather than a follower.”

Evidence of that is the fact that Shaw has been asked to pen a report to the Minor Counties Cricket Association on the future of the level below the First Class game.

“There’s a good future for Minor Counties cricket but I pointed out three or four areas we could improve,” he added.

“I would like to see the Minor dropped from the title because I think it resonates a rather out-dated and inferior image.
Trophy

“I think everybody would benefit from having a national sponsor and I also believe that there should be a national Twenty20 competition, maybe including the top eight sides from the Western and Eastern divisions.”

Foulkes, who lives at Llanymynech, has stepped down after nine years as chairman, a spell which brought the first major trophy for 37 years with the MCCA Knockout returning to Shropshire in 2010.

He will replace Elizabeth Holt in the role of president after her 10-year stint in the role. “To be asked to be president is the icing on the cake,” said Foulkes.

“It’s been a big honour to be chairman. You get the odd blip but I have enjoyed almost all of it and I couldn’t have asked for a more co-operative and supportive committee.”

Former vice-chairman and chairman of selectors Peter Bradley has retired from the committee and – like Foulkes and Holt – has received life membership, while Clare Green has also stepped down.

A vice-chairman to Shaw is expected to be appointed in the new year.