Paul Johnson and Chris Read, a duo of Nottinghamshire stalwarts with 1,451 first team appearances between them, have been made Vice-Presidents of the Club.

The popular announcement was made to the Members at last night’s Annual General Meeting with both legends present to acknowledge the applause.

Johnson, whose playing career for the green and golds spanned from 1981 to 2002, scored 20,256 First-Class runs in 365 matches for the Club.

He captained Nottinghamshire from 1996 to 1998 and was a part of the coaching staff from his retirement as a player through to 2013.

Read retired from professional cricket in September 2017 having spent 20 years on the playing staff at Trent Bridge, ten of which were as skipper.

The wicketkeeper-batsman claimed a Club-record 983 First-Class dismissals and scored 15,103 runs.

He was capped 52 times by his country and remains a member of the coaching staff on a part-time basis.

“Looking at the achievements of these cricketers and the regard they are held among the Members, it’s absolutely natural that Paul and Chris are bestowed this honour,” said Chairman Richard Tennant.

“To be joining the likes of Sir Garfield Sobers, Chris Broad, Bruce French, Sir Richard Hadlee, Bashar Hassan, Eddie Hemmings, Enid Bakewell MBE, Derek Randall and Tim Robinson puts them in very good company indeed.

“They deserve to be in that company for what they have contributed to the Club over many years.”

Kate Davies CBE, Paul Ellis, John Gillott, Peter Hacker and Diana Peasey were, meanwhile, elected to the General Committee. Bill Taylor will serve a second year as President. 

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