LANCASHIRE were still reeling today from the shock election which saw Paul Allott booted off the Old Trafford committee.

Manager Mike Watkinson said: "He gave me tremendous support and was responsible for a lot of positive things. In fact he was my eyes and ears in county cricket and overseas. Whenever we wanted to have a player watched he was always on hand, and he gave me lots of valuable information."

Allott refused to comment today, but admitted his defeat had come as a shock.

Voted on to the committee were retiring members Murray Birnie and Keith Hayhurst, along with ex chairman Bob Bennett and Liverpool teacher Sue Grainger.

Allott was a key member of the cricket sub-committee, and was the driving force behind the decision to put Watkinson in charge as manager instead of searching for a new overseas coach.

The result was an Old Trafford transformation last season, with youngsters like Jimmy Anderson and Kyle Hogg making an impact and the launch of Lancashire's Academy.

Watkinson was counting on Allott's support for years to come, but the Sky TV broadcaster finished next to bottom when seven candidates battled it out for four vacancies on the general committee.