Umpire Gould Appointed Chairman Of Football Club

Umpire Gould Appointed Chairman Of Football Club

Ian Gould during the recent ICC World Twenty20 in England.

©Action Images / Jason Cairnduff

He's presided over some of the biggest international tournaments in the World, but now legendary cricket umpire Ian Gould is swapping his cream straw hat for a blue and white scarf after taking charge of Burnham Football Club.

The former England batsman and wicket-keeper, who first came onto our screens in 1975  - making his debut for Middlesex CCC, has arguably created one of biggest spins in football (or certainly since Sven Goran Eriksson's move to Notts County last week) after transferring his sporting affections to take over as chairman of Zamaretto Football League division one midlands side Burnham.

Born in the small neighbouring Buckinghamshire village of Taplow, Gould, 52, is taking the short journey back down memory lane to help Burnham secure commercial success, both on- and off-the-field.

Gould said: 'There's a real opportunity to make a difference at Burnham and one that should not be taken lightly with the right infrastructure and investment.

'My decision to take on the chairman's reigns is something that I have been contemplating for some time.  It is my intention, therefore, to bring an array of professionalism to the Club both on and off the field to make the Burnham facility a viable proposition for corporate investors,' he added.

Whilst Gould accepts that success doesn't come overnight, he is keen for Burnham to attract some of the best young players in the area, who may before have chosen to go elsewhere.

'Burnham is rich with talent and is on the doorstep of one of the largest business parks in Europe,' said Gould.  'We need to be centric to that by supporting the needs of local people and local business alike.

'Defining a business plan with a number of strategically positioned markers along the way will enable us to take a holistic overview of the investment required. It will also allow us to evaluate the business on its own merit and make any changes going forward, which is important.'

Gould replaces long serving club chairman Malcolm Higton, who has stepped down to take up an honory position of president.

Whilst for many onlookers, Gould's appointment may come as a surprise, those close too him agree that his nickname of the 'Gunner' somewhat gives the game away of his love for the beautiful game.  And, naturally, Gould is not looking for his new side to give too many games away next season.

Long before taking up his post with the ICC, and prior to touring the West Indies with the England Young Cricketers in 1976, Gould played in goal for both Slough Town and Arsenal, thus earning himself the nickname 'Gunner'. 
As an Umpire, Gould was appointed to stand in three matches of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.  He presided over his first test match - South Africa v Bangladesh at Bloemfontein in November 2008, before being promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in April this year.