After six years in charge, Richard Harvey has called it a day as Staffordshire Captain. Looking back with pride and enjoyment at his time in charge, he commented, “I feel that now is the right time for me to stand down as Captain. It is a position which I have absolutely loved and feel privileged to have held for the past six years. It's also a position which takes commitment and dedication, both of which I feel I have given wholeheartedly. As my priorities continue to change, both at work and with my growing family, I feel that I cannot commit to the same degree. I take the captaincy of the Club very seriously and I do not want to be in a position where I cannot give the role the attention it deserves. There is far more to it than simply the day of the game, and I'm very happy to say that I can hand over the reins to somebody who will dedicate the same energy and passion that I feel I have. I would like to thank the Committee for their support, in particular, Nick Archer the Chairman, and Graham Warner, the Director of Cricket. I would especially like to thank Kim Barnett, with whom I have developed a close friendship and working relationship over the years, and who has offered me advice and tips as I have grown into the captaincy role.

In his six years at the reins, Staffordshire finished in second place in the Eastern Division table of the Minor Counties Championship on three occasions. They were also beaten semi-finalists in the Knock-Out Cup on one occasion, and reaced the quarter-final stages on two further occasions. In the 36 Championship matches played during Harvey's stewardship, the County won 15, lost 9, drew 11, and were involved in a terrific tied game at Longton against Norfolk.

Before the powers-that-be stepped in to deny Minor Counties sides the opportunity to compete against First Class opposition in the C & G Cup competition, Harvey almost led his team to glory on three occasions, narrowly going down twice to Surrey in 2003 and 2005, as well as giving Lancahire a run for their money in 2004.

The 34 year-old commented, The highlights of my time as Captain include the very first game I skippered and having to pit my wits against Adam Hollioake, who was Captain of Surrey and had only recently been Captain of England. The C & G games were always fantastic occasions to be a part of. The one day games at the start of last season also feature highly, because I think our performances against both Norfolk and Suffolk away were as close to the best we've played during my six years in charge. Above and beyond the aspects mentioned, the biggest thrill has been to captain so many fantastic players. To lead out the side, to toss the coin against opposing Captains, to lead team talks with my players are all aspects of the job that I will treasure. I would like to thank every player individually for the support they have given me and the effort they have put into their cricket with Staffordshire.

In his Championship career, which began in 1997 against Buckinghamshire, Harvey made 73 appearances for the County, scoring 3,306 runs at an average of 33.73. He recorded 19 half centuries and five centuries, the highest of them being 163 against Lincolnshire at Sleaford in 2005, during which he created a new County record for the third wicket of 247 in partnership with Kim Barnett. He has also claimed seven Championship wickets and taken 76 catches. In One Day matches for the County he made 45 appearances, scoring 895 runs at an average of 30.86.

Although Harvey has stood down as Captain he will make himself available for selection for the County's one day matches commenting, I feel I still have plenty to offer Staffordshire as a player, and hope that I can show the form in league cricket to justify my selection in the One Day squad. As far as 3 day cricket is concerned, after 11 years and 70 odd Championship matches, I am ready to take a step back and wish the Team every success when the 3 day season commences in June.

Chairman Nick Archer, himself a former County captain, praised Harvey's leadership commenting, He had a difficult job to do following Steve Dean's departure. The measure of his achievement is he has stamped his mark on the job which has changed a lot in the time he has been Captain, in particular with the demands of the age profile which means we have to field a side with an average age of 26. He has also continued to perform well personally despite the demands of captaincy.

Speaking about Harvey's decision to stand down at this time Archer continued, From the County's point of view his reasons are totally acceptable and we fully understand and support his decision.

The County has moved swiftly to fill the captaincy role with the County Cricket Committee, at its most recent meeting, recommending the appointment of Knypersley wicket keeper/batsman Paul Goodwin as Harvey's successor. The 30 year-old captained Staffordshire to victory over Buckinghamshire earlier this year in Harvey's absence.

In a separate move, Nick Archer has himself stated he is to stand down from the position of Chairman after six years in the role, but at the same time indicating he is to continue his involvement with the County, which saw him captain the side for eleven seasons. Archer cited heavy work commitments in his role with Warwickshire as his reason as well as stating, I don't feel anyone should do the job for ever-more.