NEW president Norman Gifford has vowed to work hard over the next two years to make sure Worcestershire cricket is thriving.

The former England and Worcestershire captain, who turns 77 next week, said it was a great honour to take over the role at New Road.

Chairman Stephen Taylor described Gifford as a “true legend of the club”.

Gifford is also a part-time spin bowling coach at Worcestershire.

He officially succeeded lifelong fan and former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord Mervyn King of Lothbury, at the County’s annual general meeting last night.

Gifford was a key member of the 1964 and 1965 County Championship winning sides.

He also captained Worcestershire to the title in 1974 - and to the first of the county's three Sunday League wins, in 1971.

Gifford it was a “great honour” to become the new president and remembered when he was first introduced to Lord King of Lothbury at The Oval.

‘I know who you are’,” said Gifford, recalling the reply from Lord King.

“I modelled my bowling action on you.”

Lancashire-born Gifford, who finished his playing days in 1988 with Warwickshire, believes there is talent coming through the ranks at Worcestershire.

“On a Thursday night, we go up to Malvern College from 7pm to 9pm and Elliot Wilson coaches the academy players beforehand.

“There was a little boy, 12-year-old Henry Cullen, in the nets keeping wicket to the spinners, including Brett D’Oliveira, Ben Twohig and Alexei Kervezee.

“When Ben Cox saw the little boy keeping he asked if he could go and bat in little Henry’s net so he could have a word with him.”

Gifford added: “I will work hard over the next two years to make sure there is still a cricket club thriving at Worcestershire when little Henry gets the chance to do what he can.”