Dursley Sport

Jack Russell fears for Gloucestershire's future at County Ground

By Rob Iles

9:00am Friday 27th January 2012

GLOUCESTERSHIRE legend Jack Russell believes "the club is dying on its feet."

And the former England wicket-keeper thinks the county's best option to survive is to move their headquarters after they were refused planning permission to redevelop the County Ground in Bristol.

Russell, who is now a Gloucestershire committee member and wicketkeeping coach after enjoying a glittering playing career with the club, told the Times: "At the moment, the club is dying on its feet.

"It cannot survive in its present form from a cricket or business point of view. We are just not keeping up with everyone else.

"We need a local authority that will help us, not put up obstacles. In my opinion, the logical step is to move and have something purpose-built.

"Even if we do develop, at some point in 10, 15 or 20 years' time I think we will have to move."

Gloucestershire held two board meetings last week to discuss their options and set the budget for next season, and also held meetings with the bank and the ECB.

They face losing the three one-day internationals they were handed for 2013, 2014 and 2016 against New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka respectively as the ground does not meet new ECB requirements.

Hosting international cricket is a major source of income for the club, and they had hoped to stage games in Bristol for the 2019 World Cup.

Gloucester City Council are keen for the club to play at the Wagon Works Ground in Tuffley Park, but other possibilities are also being considered.

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