Keaton Jennings has praised the news that Sir Ian Botham is set to become the club’s new chairman.
Botham announced his intention to run for the chairmanship at Emirates Riverside after a meeting held at the ground yesterday.
The former England all-rounder, who needs no introduction to cricket fans and is one of the biggest names in the sport, is expected to take over from interim chairman Richard Bottomley in the new year.
And Jennings, who has just come off the back of a record-breaking season as the highest scorer in the Specsavers County Championship, was delighted to hear about Botham’s involvement as the squad prepare to bounce back in 2017.
“Sir Ian, in my eyes watching him on TV and seeing what he’s done for the game, is something really special and great for the club,” Jennings said.
“I have never met him personally but I’m looking forward to that. To have a guy who’s achieved what he as within cricket, to help and guide the vision of a club, will be something really special.
“Hopefully he can make a big impact, I’m sure he will, and hopefully he can guide the club to successes that the guys deserve.”
While Botham is set to take up a non-cricketing role as chairman, his cricketing nous and experience is extensive, having appeared in 218 international matches for England.
The former all-rounder turned in a number of memorable, match-winning performances at the highest level and ended his career playing for the county in 1993.
It leads Jennings to believe that his influence will stretch far greater than inside the confines of the Emirates Riverside boardroom.
“From what I’m told, he’s very energetic,” the 24-year-old said. “Hopefully Woody doesn’t get involved with him, I think if they’re both as energetic as each other it could be a serious little formula!
“He hasn’t been knighted for no reason and I suppose he’s come into an environment that needs a bit of a boost.
“The guys are really excited and optimistic ahead of his appointment.”