Flashback! Nigel Mountford keeping wicket for Bovey Tracey against Torquay. The batsman is Marcus Green

DEVON CCC has a new chief executive following the appointment of Nigel Mountford to the post.

Mountford takes over from Neil Gamble, who has moved up to the chairman’s role.

County club president Roger Moylan-Jones has been acting chairman since the death of incumbent Geoff Evans in September 2015.

Nigel Mountford - Devon's new chief executiveHaving served as chairman from 1995-2010, Moylan-Jones was well qualified for the post.

Outlining the changes, Moylan-Jones said: “After a period shadowing Neil Gamble during the recent cricket season, and as agreed at our last committee meeting, Nigel Mountford has succeeded Neil as the Devon CCC chief executive with immediate effect.

“Neil Gamble now becomes club chairman, filling the vacancy following the sad death last year of Geoff Evans.

“Neil has been chief executive since he succeeded Geoff in 2010.

“This process of succession ensures the continuity of leadership in the Club’s principal officials.”

Moylan-Jones will continue as club president.

Mountford has a long background in cricket administration having been chairman of Bovey Tracey CC since 2003.

Members of the Mountford family have been playing for Bovey Tracey and Devon since the late 19th century. The first was Albert way back in 1880.

Nigel’s father Stuart was a wicketkeeper and batsman for Devon for 11 seasons between 1947-1957. At 94 he is one of Devon’s oldest former players still living.

Nigel, who was 64 earlier this year, had a long career in club cricket, mostly with Bovey Tracey, for whom he first played aged 13 in the 2nd XI.

He moved to Torquay in 1986 and spent a decade there before returning to Bovey Tracey.

Mountford made his Minor Counties debut for Devon in 1975 and was one of a number of keepers in the squad until 1984.

Mountford carried on playing Devon League cricket for Bovey into his 60s.

He was a regular member of the Devon O50s’ side for a decade and graduated to the O60s in due course.

Mountford put the pads and gauntlets away during the season just ended, playing one last game for Devon at Bovey Tracey against Canadian tourists Vancouver.