News

Northants' about turn on pub sale

Northamptonshire is not first on the list of grounds to visit for the casual cricket fan but the club have retained at least one reason for a jaunt to Wantage Road by deciding not to sell the County Tavern pub.

Not for sale: The County Tavern in Northampton  •  Northamptonshire CCC

Not for sale: The County Tavern in Northampton  •  Northamptonshire CCC

Northamptonshire is perhaps not first on the list of grounds to visit for the casual cricket fan but the club have retained at least one reason for a jaunt to Wantage Road by deciding not to sell the County Tavern pub.
Northants were intending the sell the pub, on Abington Avenue just outside their ground, at an auction on February 12 for a guide price of £550,000 before a prompt U-turn.
At an extraordinary general meeting, members voted to sell the pub to raise funds for the forthcoming season but Northants chief executive Ray Payne said the club had "reconciled" its cash flow position.
"It was always our aim if possible to retain one of the clubs most valuable assets," Payne said. "It should still not be ruled out as a possible course of action, but at this stage not a path we will be taking at the club."
Northants are currently developing Wantage Road as part of a move towards a more self-sufficient business model. Last winter saw the addition of a new stand and this year the hospitality facilities at the Wantage Road End received a makeover.
The club are set for a rebuilding phase on the field too with a number of senior players leaving the club after a torrid 2014 which saw them meekly surrender their T20 title and set a new record for the lowest number of points won in the Championship. Chief executive David Smith also left the club in November.