Adrian Aymes, Hampshire's veteran keeper-batsman, left the county yesterday after 17 years.

Aymes had long been one of Hampshire's most high-profile figures but another senior man at the county, Rose Bowl plc chief executive Graham Wal-ker, also left on an extraordin-ary day of activity at the club.

The Scot (pictured right) had only been in his post for a year following the departure of Tony Baker but a club statement today read: "Rose Bowl plc and Graham Walker have mutually agreed a process by which the chief executive will leave the company in order to pursue other business interests.

"Graham has stepped down from his post of chief executive with immediate effect and Nick Pike, a non-executive director of the plc, will assume responsibility as acting managing director.

"Rose Bowl plc thanks Graham for his excellent services to date and wish him every success in the future."

Walker told The Echo: "I've had a great time at Hampshire and wish the company every success in consolidating on the excellent start we've made."

Rose Bowl plc chairman Rod Bransgrove also praised Wal-ker's efforts, saying: "Graham has done an excellent job in getting this business structured for success. He leaves with our best wishes."

As for Aymes, a knee problem restricted the Southampton-born star to just five appearances last summer.

It is not yet known whether the 38-year-old - who still had one-year left on his contract - plans to hang up his gloves or search for another county.

He has many other interests and has recently taken over as co-manager of Dr Martens East Division football side Fleet with ex-Saint Mark Dennis.

Aymes said: "I've enjoyed every day of being a pro since Hampshire gave me my chance back in 1986.

"I want to thank all the supporters for their continued backing of both me and the club over the years. I rate them the most loyal and knowledgeable set of fans in the country.

"I played with some great players and made many good friends in the game and I thank them for all the inspiration they have given me."

Bransgrove added: "It's almost impossible to imagine Hampshire without Adi, such has been his presence over the last decade and a half. He leaves with our best wishes."

Tremlett was full of praise for the player who joined the county in 1986, made his debut the following year and was awarded a benefit in 2000.

He said: "Despite offers to go elsewhere earlier in his car-eer, Adi only wanted to play for his home county.

"He's been a model pro - one of the best and most consistent wicketkeepers in England and unlucky not to win international honours. As a batsman, Adi was brave, valued his wicket and often rescued us from precarious positions."

Aymes leaves Hampshire with an outstanding record in first-class cricket.

He claimed 516 catches, 44 stumpings and scored 7,338 runs with eight hundreds and 38 half-centuries.

In the limited-overs games, he took 215 catches, 53 stumpings and notched 2,269 runs with six 50s and played for Hampshire in the winning 1992 NatWest final at Lord's.