ESSEX County Cricket Club has whittled down the applicants for the vacant position of chief executive from more than 40 to just seven – and expects to make an announcement within the next two months.
The position has remained vacant since David East stepped down in December after ten years in the job.
He left to take up a similar role in the United Arab Emirates, but was instrumental in Essex Cricket Club's plans to transform the ground and the area surrounding New Writtle Street.
Club chairman Nigel Hilliard said that the club expects to make a decision on Mr East's successor by March and has a shortlist of seven candidates.
He said: "David contributed to the project heavily.
"It's been a 50/50 split between him and treasurer Keith Brown.
"It's sad that he had to move on but it represented a great opportunity for him.
"We've managed to whittle the shortlist down to seven and we'll take our time to make sure we get the right candidate."
