Cricket: Move to oust new Sussex chairman

The row engulfing Sussex took a new turn yesterday when three newly elected members of the committee called for the new chairman, Ken Hopkins, to quit.

The former Sussex captain Robin Marlar, businessman Jim May and long- standing member Dick Holste want Hopkins, together with the three remaining members of the committee, to stand down before Wednesday's Annual General Meeting.

The development is a further boost to former Sussex fast bowler Tony Pigott, who has forced an extraordinary general meeting on 8 April when he will call for a vote of no confidence in the committee.

Marlar, May and Holste, angry at the running of the club and the exodus of high-profile players, have made their move following a meeting with Hopkins. A statement from them claims Hopkins, who succeeded Alan Caffyn only 10 days ago, and his fellow committee members "lack credibility with the cricket world at large".

"We are committed to pursuing forward-looking policies to improve communication, finances, development and, above all else, the playing success of Sussex. We have asked the chairman and the three remaining committee members to resign in the best interests of the club.

"We believe there should be elections for all the committee places as it is imperative we have a fresh start. Ken Hopkins and his colleagues would be able to stand for re-election if they so desired, and our proposal could also enable Tony Pigott to stand."