Geoffrey Boycott fails in bid to join Yorkshire board

Geoffrey Boycott's bid to rejoin Yorkshire's board has failed after his candidacy was rejected by the county's members at the annual general meeting on Saturday.

The former Yorkshire captain and president's decision to stand for election, after receiving the 30 nominations needed to be put forward, was openly opposed by the hierarchy.

Members' committee chief Stephen Mann claimed earlier this month that "members aren't in favour of Geoffrey".

And that was borne out despite a close postal vote as the former England opener received 602 votes in favour of his return and 758 against.

With Yorkshire winning back-to-back County Championship titles, there were concerns that Boycott would attempt to interfere with on-field matters should he be elected back onto the board.

However, the 75-year-old stated his desire to return was to help with the club's finances, as their debt currently exceeds £20m.

While the three other candidates - Mark Arthur, Robin Smith and Sir Gary Verity - were welcomed onto the board, Boycott's nomination reflected a divide in the club.

And Boycott, who made his Yorkshire debut in 1962, said he was disappointed by the result of the vote but remains a staunch supporter of the club and will continue to grace Headingley during the summer months.

He stressed: "I didn't put up to win or lose, I thought I could do some good for the club.

"To all those people who voted for me: thank you, and to those that didn't, I just want everyone to know that I love the club, it's been part of my life for 60 years.

"I love its history, its traditions and I know many of the members, personally.

"I just wanted to put some points of view, some opinions to help. It's not going to change anything, I'll be watching and supporting the team as I've always done.

"We have a very good set of players, an excellent coach, good management behind the scenes - they are a pleasure to watch.

"I'll be here of the first match of the season. I'm disappointed - but nothing's changed."

Boycott always said his desire to stand was motivated solely to help with the finances as their debts exceed £20m.

And Yorkshire chairman Steve Denison believes Boycott may still have a role to play in the future, possible as an ambassador.

He added: "We are desperately keen, as we've said all along, we want everybody in the club to be playing to their strengths and his strength is in that ambassadorial role.

"Such as shouting about Yorkshire County Cricket Club around the world and bringing people into the ground at Headingley, particularly on international day.

"He's a legend of the club and we want to see him at Headingley at every possible opportunity. He'll always be welcome here so let's hope that's what happens going forward."