Cricket: Northern chief decides to up stumps

John Turkington, chief executive of the Northern Districts Cricket Association for 19 years, will resign in March.

His decision surprised Northern Districts chairman Jeff Freeman, who has "reluctantly" accepted Turkington's wish to stand down.

Turkington has agreed to work through until after the test match against South Africa at Westpac Park, starting on March 10.

"The time is right to move on," he said. "Northern Districts need a change, and I need a change."

He refused to expand on that or his future plans, apart from saying he was "looking at a couple of options."

Turkington assumed the role of Northern Districts' inaugural executive officer in 1985, after a background in club cricket.

While his style can be abrasive and confrontational, Turkington's effectiveness has been unparalleled.

He started his job as a staff of one, acting as secretary-treasurer, coaching co-ordinator, sponsorship organiser, gear custodian, Seddon Park administrator and organiser of an indoor school, while having to raise his own salary.

Under Turkington, Northern Districts have grown to where they now employ nine staff and have a structure focused on cricket development in a commercial environment.

Freeman said he tried to talk Turkington out of resigning.

"John was not under pressure from the board or chairman. He has made a huge contribution and can walk away with his head held high."

Freeman will talk to New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden about recruiting a replacement. The job is expected to be advertised at the end of next month.

- NZPA