ROD Bransgrove today reveals his toughest moments as Hampshire chairman – including the day Robin Smith was reduced to tears on his doorstep.

In the second of a three-part interview celebrating Bransgrove’s decade in charge of Hampshire Cricket, he recalls the emotional end to Smith’s 21-year career with the county.

Bransgrove also looks back at Paul Terry’s exit as Hampshire manager two years ago.

“It was a difficult time for us all. We went on holiday together after that to try and re-establish our great friendship. But it was too soon. It was, in fact, the most difficult holiday I’d ever been on. I was having palpitations because I was so stressed by it all,” he recalls.

Bransgrove also expresses his sorrow at Hampshire’s “lost generation” of batsmen following the move to the Rose Bowl and the discussion with England legend Alec Stewart that persuaded him Shane Warne was the man to change the county’s culture.

For the full interview, read today's Daily Echo