Sir Howard Bernstein Club Statement (1953 2024)

Sir Howard Bernstein Club Statement (1953 2024)

Lancashire Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its last former president, Sir Howard Bernstein, aged 71.

Sir Howard, who stepped down as Lancashire President last month after ten years in the role, played a transformative role in Lancashire Cricket during his tenure. His influence permeated all areas of this famous cricket club and he will be sorely missed.

Sir Howard was instrumental in the £75m redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the past 15 years into a world-class multi-purpose stadium.

He also played a leading role in the development of Lancashire's second home, the multi-million pound Farington Project in the heart of the county working alongside Lancashire County Council. As well as hosting men's and women's cricket matches, it will become a center of excellence for women's cricket in the North West, further developing the Club pathway and age group system and encouraging the growth of cricket in the region. Sir Howard was a true advocate for equality and diversity and always ensured these values ​​were at the heart of Lancashire's decision-making.

Former long-term chief executive of Manchester City Council (1998-2017) and former Head of Paid Services for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2011-2017), Sir Howard was best known as one of the key architects of the revival of Manchester over the past four decades. He is credited with reviving Manchester after the 1996 IRA bomb, while also playing other critical roles within the city, including bringing the 2002 Commonwealth Games to Manchester and expanding Metrolink.

Sir Howard, who was knighted for his services to Manchester in 2003, provided Lancashire Cricket with continuity and strong leadership following the sad death of former Chairman David Hodgkiss in March 2020.

He bought this vast experience into his role at Lancashire, which ensured the club made significant progress in all key areas.

Lancashire Cricket Chairman Andy Anson paid tribute to Sir Howard: I am distressed to hear of Sir Howards passing this morning. He has been my mentor, friend, and supporter for many years, and I will greatly miss his sage advice, insights, and our often entertaining exchanges. Our different footballing allegiances were always a source of entertaining conversation and I know he would be delighted to have left us with the Manchester blue team ahead.

He made an immeasurable contribution to Lancashire Cricket and his legacy is extensive. Many Lancashire supporters will not be aware of his tireless work behind the scenes, but he gave so much to the club and never asked for anything in return. This work includes major infrastructure projects for the club and its wider community, the benefits of which will be felt for decades to come. The redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the past 15 years would not have happened without him.

Under Sir Howards leadership, the club has overcome significant challenges and his incredible work and dedication during those times has helped guide us to a brighter and more sustainable future.

When English cricket recently had to address important issues around equality, diversity and inclusion, Lancashire was already well placed because Sir Howard held these values ​​close to his heart and always ensured they were central to Lancashire's decision-making. Crickets.

He was an inspiration to all those around him and had a huge impact on our great club. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by the many friends, colleagues and members he leaves behind at Emirates Old Trafford.

The thoughts of everyone at Lancashire Cricket are with his family and friends at this extremely sad time.

RIP Sir Howard Bernstein (1953 2024).