Cricket: Top job for Cumbes

Lancashire yesterday named Jim Cumbes as their new chief executive, taking over from John Bower, who left Old Trafford suddenly six weeks ago.

Cumbes, who had two spells with Lancashire as a player, also played football, and after helping Worcestershire to win the 1974 championship was Aston Villa's goalkeeper in their 1975 League Cup win.

He went on to become commercial manager with Warwickshire and Lancashire's first marketing manager in 1987. In the last decade he helped to increase turnover to pounds 5.5m.

The former England off-spinner John Emburey has retired from all senior cricket. Emburey, 45, withdrew from the first-class game in June, but still appeared for Northamptonshire in limited-overs matches. He will now concentrate on coaching at Wantage Road.

Emburey will assistant coach on England's tour to the West Indies this winter.

Sussex have made their former batsman Neil Lenham their new marketing manager.