Kent chief Millman leaves Canterbury

Kent chief executive Paul Millman has announced that he is taking early retirement after 10 years at the club.

He is to leave with immediate effect for personal reasons. Jamie Clifford takes over as acting chief executive.

Meanwhile, Kent have announced that Canterbury City Council have agreed to loan £4m towards the redevelopment of the St Lawrence Ground.

The redevelopment includes floodlights, a hotel, hospitality boxes, conference facility and health and fitness centre.

Kent chairman George Kennedy said: "It will go a long way towards helping realise the vision of creating a ground of which we can be truly proud."

As for Millman's departure, a club spokesman said: "The club is grateful for his efforts over the past 10 years and wishes him a long and happy retirement.

"Jamie Clifford will be appointed acting chief executive whilst the club reviews its options and seeks applicants for the role."

Subscribe in a reader

Key reappointed as Kent captain

Rob Key has been reappointed as Kent's captain for 2010, after signing a new long-term contract with the side that returned to the top flight of the County Championship after finishing the recent season as Division Two champions.

Key made his first class debut for Kent in 1998 and has since scored more than 14,000 runs at an average of 42.33. He produced his career-best score of 270 not out against Glamorgan last summer and was also part of England's ICC World Twenty20 squad. He had been linked with a move to Surrey, given their desire to return to the First Division after another disappointing season.

"I'm very happy to commit my future to Kent," said Key. "There have been lots of rumours about me leaving the club but at no stage have I spoken or have other clubs spoken to me. I am and always will be committed to trying to win trophies and bring success to Kent County Cricket Club."

Graham Johnson, Kent's Chairman of Cricket, added: "Rob has made a tremendous contribution to the club, both as a player and captain. We see him, along with some other key players, as being the core of our side so I am very pleased that he has committed his long-term future to Kent.

"He was open and honest throughout contract talks and brought a sense of fun to discussions. We look forward to him continuing to bring these characteristics to what he does, both on and off the field. The cricket committee was unanimous in wanting him to continue as captain in 2010."

Subscribe in a reader