Cricket boss aims to deliver first class future

When Durham were celebrating their first championship trophy six years ago, its commercial operation was in the process of combating the most severe global recession in a generation.

“Success on the pitch – in terms of filling the trophy cabinet, getting players into the England team and developing our academy is only part of the challenge - has to be matched by our being a viable business off the pitch,” says Mr Harker, who has spearheaded the club’s remarkable rise from first class rookies to three times champions and attempted to balance the books amid economic boom and bust.

In September 2008, a few months after former club sponsor Northern Rock had been taken into public ownership, Durham claimed its first County Championship by winning the final match of the season against Kent. That victory, only 14 years after gaining first class status, has been part of a sporting success story that has seen the club nurture England stars such as Paul Collingwood, Steve Harmison, Graham Onions and Ben Stokes.

Off the pitch, like all North-East businesses, Durham had to contend with the downturn.

A lack of finance led to the business shelving bold plans for the development of a new permanent stand as well as a flagship hotel and conferencing venue.

As confidence now returns to the economy, those plans are back on the table, albeit in a scaled-down form that will see construction of a combined hotel/events facility, explains Mr Harker.

He admits that the job has been “pretty full on” since he joined the company as financial controller in 1991. Last year, he took a less hands-on role, with Richard Dowson stepping up as chief operating officer.

“I’m not as involved in day-to-day operations,” explains Mr Harker. “My job now is more about the developmental side of things and in taking forward our long term vision.”

Part of that ambition is to ensure that Durham’s hosting of an England versus Australia Test in 2013 is followed by Cricket World Cup fixtures when the tournament comes to England in 2019.

Anyone who witnessed a Chester le Street Ashes Test Match last year would been left with in no doubt that a packed Emirates Durham ICG is a special place to watch international cricket. It has everything in place – top class facilities, a passionate crowd and picture perfect surroundings to do the same in 2019. Everything that is, except a set of floodlights.

Mr Harker says: “ICC rules state that without floodlights we are unable to become a World Cup venue.

“The Ashes showed what we are capable of, so it would be tragic is we weren’t in a position to host the World Cup here in the North-East.”

The club hopes the ECB will help fund the £1.5m project.

Away from the bright lights of internationals, Mr Harker is determined to continue Durham’s reputation for producing local talent.

The club is working with the council to identify a site adjacent to the stadium to set up a centre of excellence which will include a professional standard pitch, allowing youth and women’s teams to play on a high quality surface.

The First Class Future* campaign has been backed by The Northern Echo.

“There is a very limited opportunity for coaching. In particular, women and girls suffer in particular in terms of access to facilities, so this would provide a place to develop cricket in the region. We have a duty to support the community that has supported us,” adds Mr Harker.

FIVE minutes with David Harker, group chief executive of Durham County Cricket Club.

Favourite North-East building and why?

Durham Cathedral. An obvious choice I know but to choose another would seem disloyal. I grew up in Durham City and to me the Cathedral is more than a majestic building it is a symbol of home and all that home means; from granddad’s war time stories of the cathedral being threatened by German bombers only to be saved by a miraculous fog, playing in the grounds as boy and visiting the Cathedral of St John the Devine in Harlem and being greeted by a brass plaque set in the floor dedicated to Durham Catherdral.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

Boy labourer on a building site in Percy Main cleaning out the portaloos. Not enough.

What is the worst job you've had?

See above.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

I like to cook but only on a weekend. If entertaining I will usually go for something like a daube (French stew) that can be left in the oven without coming to any harm allowing me to drink with the guests.

What would your superpower be?

I could cause a lot of mischief by being invisible.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

My perfect party requires fun, interesting people with a story to tell who don’t mind a drink so Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemmingway, my mate Stuart Liddell and (Colombian actress) Sofia Vergara. I have no idea if Sofia Vergara is fun, interesting and likes a drink but my mate Stuart won’t half be impressed when she comes to my party.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

Probably my watch or my bike. By spending a bit extra on the bike I got a machine a few ounces lighter. Given that I am about two stone overweight I suspect that this was quite literally a false economy.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

Sorry, but on a personal level I just don’t get Twitter.

Favourite book?

Seeing as how Hemmingway got the dinner invite then I would probably nominate Raymond Chandler as my favourite author and the Big Sleep as my favourite book although I still can’t follow what is happening as the plot unfolds. Having said that I don’t think that I have enjoyed any book more than Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities.

When did you last cry?

Big boys don’t cry.

What is your greatest achievement?

Being selected for the University Football squad was an unexpected thrill but I probably got marginally more satisfaction from passing my accountancy exams.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?

You aren’t given responsibility you take it.

Favourite animal and why.

Eric Burdon, what a voice.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

Wouldn’t like to say, one of various footballers and international cricketers I guess.

What was the last band you saw live?

Boyzone.

Describe your perfect night in.

A summer night in the garden, a bottle of Meursault, a plate of smoked salmon, the latest Decanter magazine, bird song and no disturbances.

In another life I would be...

Quite a bit wiser and a little bit younger.

Who would play you in a film of your life

Does Jack Nicholson do a North-East accent?

What irritates you?

Injustice.

What's your secret talent?

I wish I had a one.

*Anyone wishing to support the First Class Future campaign can donate by sending a cheque, payable to Durham County Cricket Club Foundation, to First Class Futures, Durham County Cricket Club, Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground. Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR.