ROD BRANSGROVE was today appointed chairman of Hampshire Cricket Club and immediately pledged to put some of his considerable fortune behind the club.

Bransgrove, 50, was elected unanimously at a general committee meeting last night, following the resignation of Brian Ford, which was was exclusively predicted by the Daily Echo on Tuesday.

The Romsey businessman made a considerable fortune selling his share of the Shire pharmaceuticals business for around £100 million, and his current business interests include television production companies.

As he took office at Northlands Road this morning, he said: "I have a financial obligation to the club and I made it clear some time ago that it could be used for whatever we deem appropriate."

But Bransgrove would not be drawn on how much of the £5 million shortfall in the club's new West End headquarters he would find.

The new chairman said that his role would be more as "a decision facilitator than a decision-maker" and one of his first tasks will be to set up a means of raising the £5 million needed to complete Hampshire's new home.

Bransgrove has been connected in the background with the club for some time, but was only elected to the club's committee in March, achieving a rapid rise through the ranks to become chairman in seven months.

And he said: "I am over the moon to be asked to take over. There is a big job to do and I am looking forward to getting stuck into it.

"My style might be different from my predecessor, but it is an honour to be asked to take over and I will discharge my responsiblity to the best of my abilitity."

Hampshire chief executive, Tony Baker said: "I am very pleased from my chats with Rod, we have a lot in common. We both share the same aims of creating a wonderful facilitiy and this is a very positive move."