THE chief executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club has unexpectedly resigned.

A statement has been put out by the New Road club which has announced Tom Scott will remain in the role until the end of the year, and a replacement is found.

Tom Scott originally took up the role as chief executive officer in early 2016 and, after six months doing the job on an interim basis, it was officially confirmed he was replacing long-serving CEO David Leatherdale - who had moved into a similar role with the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Prior to his involvement with the club, Mr Scott - a life-long supporter of the club - had founded the successful Cotswold Group, a UK leader in providing support services to the insurance sector, in 1990.

By the time the Cotswold Group was acquired by G4S - the world’s largest security company - in 2011, it employed more than 300 full-time staff with offices in Gloucester, London, Manchester and Norwich.

When he originally took up the role he said he realised he would like to do the job permanently, as he was relishing the challenge of strengthening the club’s financial position so more money can be ploughed back into cricket, and wanted to fulfil the ultimate goal of developing the New Road Stand and updating facilities for members and both home and visiting supporters.

The Worcester News approached Worcestershire County Cricket Club for more information, but a spokesman said there would be no further comment.