THERE has been a changing of the guard at the head of the Bradford Premier League.

Chairman David Young has replaced Keith Moss MBE as league president, with the latter becoming president emeritus, while Mark Heald has switched from chief executive officer (a post he has held since 2015) to chairman.

Heald was chairman of the Central Yorkshire League until their merger with the Bradford League in 2015.

Alan Birkinshaw, who joined the management committee in 2004, has moved from communications and data officer to become chief executive officer.

Meanwhile, newcomers Ziarat Nasa Hussain, who was a players’ representative from 2008-11 and a club representative from 2011-15, is the diversity officer, and Chris Marsden the players’ representative.

Lee Birkinshaw, who is Alan’s wife, joins the management board as safeguarding officer.

Young, in his last chairman’s address to the league’s annual meeting at Cleckheaton Sports Club, admitted: “I am honoured to have been asked by the management board to replace Keith as president.

“I have served as chairman (since 2015) and before that was chief executive (2011-2015) and treasurer (2006-2015).

“I am proud of many things but most of all proud to have worked alongside Mark (Heald) to deliver the merger between the BCL (Bradford Cricket League) and CYCL (Central Yorkshire Cricket League) to create what I firmly believe is the strongest Premier League in the country.

“I’m sure I will miss the day-to-day things but I still intend to continue to be involved in the league.

“I’d like to thank you all for your great support over the last 15 years or so. It been challenging at times but I’ve always done my best for the clubs and the league. Thank you.”

Young said of Moss, who served as president for 18 years, succeeding Albert Smith: “No one loves cricket more, no one loves Yorkshire cricket more and no one loves Bradford League cricket more than Keith.

“He has done so much for cricket and the league. His knowledge and guidance has been invaluable to us all.

“We cannot thank him enough for his service and I hope that you will grant him the position of president emeritus so that he can continue to deliver that sound advice and wise counsel.”

Young added: “Thanks to all the members of the board who have worked so hard and a welcome to Nas Hussain, who has joined as diversity officer, and Chris Marsden as players’ rep.

“Your contributions have been invaluable. In uncertain times for Yorkshire cricket, it is vital that we all address diversity issues within the game. Cricket is truly a game for all, whatever your background.

“The management board attended a truly insightful diversity awareness session organized by Nas. We all founds it immensely useful.”

One vacancy remains on the management board after the recent death of David Clegg aged 86, who joined the board as league welfare officer in 2015.

Young said: “I’d like to pay tribute to David Clegg, a member of the board until his sad death last week.

“David loved cricket and he will be sadly missed by so many in our league, and particularly those at Methley.

“We have lost far too many people to mention lately and I think we should stand for a minute’s silence to remember all those, along with David, from the cricket family who we have sadly lost over the last two years.”