Lancashire have announced that Jim Cumbes will remain as the club’s chief executive for the foreseeable future, despite reaching retirement age in May, 2009.

Cumbes has played an integral role in the planning of Old Trafford’s redevelopment, and was asked by the club’s committee to continue work last week.

One of the main aims for Cumbes is to ensure that the new Old Trafford hosts an Ashes Test match against Australia in 2013.

Cumbes said: “Initially the offer from committee asking me to stay took me by surprise, but after some consideration I was delighted to accept.

“The club is moving into exciting times, following the complete change of structure in the committee and the executive, not to mention the redevelopment of the stadium. Having been involved with this from the start, it made the decision to stay on very easy.”

East Didsbury born Cumbes, aged 64, was appointed as the club’s chief executive in 1998.

He was one of the last genuine old-fashioned sportsmen, playing professional cricket in the summer and football in the winter.

He played county cricket for Lancashire, Surrey, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

He was a goalkeeper for the likes of Aston Villa, Tranmere, West Brom and Coventry.