Chair in Somerset

Few counties can claim that cricket has as much relevance in its communities as Somerset does. Cricket is the biggest sport in the county and indeed, in several parts of the South-West region. This provides a unique opportunity for the County Club to grow the sport and invest passion, time, and resources into ensuring that success is sustained for the benefit of future generations.

Somerset County Cricket Club constantly sees cricket act as a force for good and have a positive impact on people’s lives. It teaches physical and social skills while helping social cohesion. Cricket is a game for all. In recent years, the Somerset men’s team have gone from strength to strength on the field, enjoying considerable success. The Somerset Disabled and Visually Impaired teams also do the County proud at national level. Somerset has also long held a special connection with the women’s game and considers itself to be the Spiritual Home of the Women’s Game. In 2025, the Club proudly became one of the eight counties to field a professional women’s team for the first time after a successful submission was put to the ECB.

Off the field, the Club also plays an important role supporting the business community. In 2017, the Daily Telegraph reported that the International T20 match at the Cooper Associates County Ground between England and South Africa was ‘worth around £1 million to the local economy’. Somerset is the most popular sporting team in the region. As winners of the ‘YouTube Channel of the Year’ at the prestigious Broadcast Sports Awards in 2021, Somerset boasts the most engaged media following of any cricket club in the UK. The Club has the largest social media following of any sports club in the UK, outside of football.

Another key strength of Somerset over the years has been its passionate and supportive Membership. This loyal Member and supporter base are the heartbeat of the Club and will remain so.

Following Lord Barber’s decision to step down as Chair of Somerset County Cricket Club, McBride Sport are delighted to be retained to identify the next Chair. We are looking to identify an individual not only capable of picking up the Chair role after Lord Barber, but also someone who can work with the Board to move the club on and into its next phase of exciting growth and development. The successful applicant will ideally be an experienced Chair with previous experience of transformational leadership and driving the growth and development of an organisation operating region wide with influence and purpose.

For further information please contact Neil Edwards or Nigel Brewster at McBride Sport on nedwards@mcbride-sport.com or nbrewwster@mcbride-sport.com. Closing date for applications: Friday 10th April 2026.