Replacing the old with the new?

It’s a feature of our times that wiseacres presumptuously believe they can, should – and are entitled to – replace a core support by seeking a new one.

Two examples of this are the BBC and county cricket.

The BBC recently reshuffled their scheduling.

The thinking behind this was presumably that the listener can follow with iPlayer and Sounds whenever he/she wishes but many of us time our domestic chores to coincide with our favourite programme.

My station of choice is Radio 3, with perhaps a few selected programmes on Radio 4.

I used to enjoy Donald McLeod’s “Composer of the Week” at midday over an early lunch but it has now been moved to 4.00 pm.

Radio 3 now has many more interviews. Does not the Controller realise that listeners want classical music nor words?

In cricket we are told by Tim Bostock, CEO of Durham, that members are luddites and corporate governance with shareholders is the answer.

You do not have to be a business brain box to see that the county assets – the grounds, memorabilia, paintings etc. – would be vulnerable if no longer protected by members.

I felt there were no people more qualified to speak on the issue than Ivan Conway (Sussex member) and Duggie Heath (Middlesex).

Ivan Conway :

“Sussex survived the pandemic but at a cost – that cost being the departure of their first team and another season in Division Two of the Championship.

We now have a young team that sits atop Division Two with the experienced Chet Pujara in the middle order.

The lack of leadership and indiscipline on the field has been addressed by acquiring John Simpson of Middlesex as skipper.

I have faith in those that run Sussex, like Chairman Jon Filby, that they have our best interests at heart. My concern – if a private equity company took over – would be that they would mortgage the ground as collateral and this would be at a risk. Look what happened to the Goldstone Ground.”

Duggie Heath :

“Middlesex has had a financial crisis. The issue here is they are tenants at Lords and may well leave the Home of Cricket.

They cannot afford the type of overseas player – like Desmond Haynes and Wayne Daniel – that brought much success and, although North London is full of fine cricket clubs like Stanmore and Southgate, they are not producing the likes of a Gatting.

I doubt if corporate governance could resolve these issues and Middlesex regain their county eminence under the two Mikes (Brearley and Gatting).” .”