John Shepherd named Kent President for 2011

Kent County Cricket Club today announced that John Shepherd (pictured)is to be its President for 2011.

As a player the popular all-rounder served Kent with distinction for 15 seasons. In total he played 303 times, scoring 9401 runs at 26.33. He also took 832 wickets at 26.56. John scored eight centuries with a highest score of 170 against Northamptonshire, at Folkestone, in 1968. His career best bowling performance was achieved against Sussex, at Maidstone, in 1975 when he recorded match figures of 15-147. Although never taking 100 wickets in a season he came close on two occasions, with 96 in 1968 at 18.72 and 92 in 1973 at 22.32.

A West Indies international, John played the first three of his five Tests against England in 1969; ending the series with 12 wickets at 22.16. He enjoyed a career extending over two decades in which he excelled in domestic cricket in West Indies, England, Australia, South Africa and Rhodesia. Upon retirement he was the cricket professional at Eastbourne College in Sussex for seven years, and in March 1998 was appointed the Regional Development Officer for the Americas region, based at the West Indies Cricket Board in Antigua.

Commenting on his appointment, John Shepherd said: “I am delighted to be named President of the club. I have enjoyed a wonderful association with Kent, for many years, so am thrilled and honoured by my appointment. I very much look forward to continuing to support Kent cricket during my year in office.”

Welcoming his appointment, Kent“s President for 2010, Alister Dunning, said: “I am very pleased that John has agreed to be Kent’s President for 2011. He gave outstanding service to the club as a player, over many years, and is still a keen supporter. He was a popular player, someone I enjoyed watching immensely. I wish him every success for the year ahead and look forward to introducing him as my successor at the Annual General Meeting in March 2011.”

Picture: Sarah Ansell