HAMPSHIRE'S new chief executive revealed his vision to put not just the cricket club, but the region on the world sporting map.

Graham Walker, who will take over from Tony Baker on November 1, said: "For too long this region has been seen as somewhat underachieving sports-wise."

And he ready to form an alliance with Saints. "This region is unique in having a new first-class cricket ground and a new Premiership football stadium," added Walker.

"Saints have responded and met their challenges by bringing their stadium in on-time and on-budget.

"If we can establish a strategic alliance between ourselves and Saints, that can only be beneficial to the people of Hampshire.

"There are a number of ways in which we can work together. We're not competitors, it wouldn't make sense."

"We want to put 16,000 seats in this stadium and stage international cricket, and that's not beyond the realms of possibility.

"We've got a fantastic set-up and the indoor academy is superb. Why shouldn't Hampshire become the centre for cricket excellence in the country?"

Walker comes to the job with an impressive CV. He raised £50million to build Cardiff's Milennium Stadium, and was previously the Football League's first Marketing Mananger, who negotiated the first-ever deals with TV companies to screen live matches.

Although he doesn't officially take over the reins until November 1, Walker said: "I have been working with the chairman and advising him personally for some time, so I'm not coming into this cold.

"I was approached and we immediately struck up a rapport. We share a similar vision for the future of cricket, Hampshire in particular."

That vision will unfold with the production of a business plan next month, but Walker provided one or two tantalising peeks of it.

"The vision for the future of this project is to create the region's finest leisure village, accessible to everyone, every day for 365 days a year.

"The number of first-class cricket days is restricted to just 50 and that impacts on the finances of the club."

Among the plans is a spectacular £3.5million 64-bay golf driving range, built on two levels with the lower level heated in winter.

If they get planning permission, Hampshire expect more than 200,000 golfers a year to use the range.

"We're also a long way down the line in attracting something for the teen market," said Walker, who stressed that cricket would continue to be the main activity at West End.

"It's the cricket which attracts attention. You only had to witness the day-night game to realise what the potential is. This stadium is great, it's wonderful - but it's got a long way to go," said Walker, confirming Hampshire's biggest priority would be to fit out and complete the Rose Bowl pavilion during the winter in time for next summer.

Walker also reaffirmed the club's commitment to its membership as Hampshire continues down the path to becoming cricket's first public company.