READING Cricket Club have confirmed that Jefferson Jones will take charge of trying to revive their fortunes.

The former player and ex-Berkshire team manager has been given the new role of team and selection manager.

It is beginning to look that Jones will have to rebuild the first team from scratch as, following their relegation to Division 2 of the Home Counties League, several players are set to leave Sonning Lane.

The departure list could include player-coach Bobby Malik. Middlesex CCC contract player Martin Andersson, who was Reading’s top batsman last season, and Jack Beaven, their most successful bowler.

Beaven, voted the team’s player of the season, was expected to take over the captaincy from Malik.

Reading’s 2nds are also looking for a new skipper, while Graham Cassie will continue to lead the third team with Shenica Gumbs taking charge of the fourths.

The club will also have a woman at the top, as Jacqui Salazar is now filling the chairman’s seat vacated by Mick Southern.

Southern, whose financial assistance has kept them going in recent years, will continue to work for the club and has already made a successful start to generate vital income.

Jacqui will have her husband, Marc, as general secretary with Morgan Brennan taking the vice-chairman’s role.

The club are looking for a new cashier/treasurer.

  • READING bowls star Andrew Knapper has gone to play in New Zealand just as the country is struck by an earthquake.

He will be competing for England in the world championships which start next Tuesday.

Also currently in New Zealand are ex-Reading hockey duo Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, both on holiday.

  • TWO weeks ago this column mentioned that Reading-based goalkeeper Grant Smith had been named in the England C (non-league) team for their International Challenge Trophy match away to Estonia Under-23s.

But the former Reading FC junior and Denefield pupil was forced to pull out, as his club, Boreham Wood, were involved in an FA Cup first-round replay with Notts County, which they lost 2-0 on Tuesday.