Yorkshire have rewarded the long service fo stalwart Steve Oldham by giving him an "Appreciation Year" in 2003.

The 53-year-old former fast bowler took 130 first class wickets for Yorkshire in two playing periods for the club.

He took three for seven on his debut, against Gloucestershire at Harrogate in 1974. In 1980 he moved to Derbyshire, where he captured 143 wickets, then he returned to Yorkshire in 1984.

Oldham took over the captaincy of the Second XI and became assistant coach before being appointed cricket manager in 1990. He went on to take charge of the new Yorkshire Academy and is now the club's cricket development officer.

Although Oldham was not capped by Yorkshire during his playing career he was given his first team colours when he became manager.

The new indoor cricket school at Headingley, which is due to be completed by mid-March, will be officially opened by David Byas and his Championship-winning side. Byas retired as captain at the end of last season.

Yorkshire's general committee have accepted a members' resolution for the annual meeting agenda that the club be urged next year to put forward a "first past the post" system of election to the committee to replace the present one of three representatives from each of four districts.

The committee themselves recently rejected the idea and are expected to include something on the agenda to explain to members why they are against it.

Updated: 12:34 Thursday, January 24, 2002