DRAKES Huddersfield Cricket League chiefs have been rocked by the resignation of executive secretary Paul Whiteley – less than two months before the start of the season.

Whiteley, nine years in the post, told league president Bob Platt of his decision, citing irreconcilable differences between himself and chairman Roger France.

While France was unavailable for comment, Platt said: “Obviously we are disappointed at Paul’s decision.

“On behalf of the league, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work and efforts over the last nine years.

“We are already discussing various positions on the management committee and will be looking at the possible process of re-delegating the position of executive secretary.”

Whiteley took over from then-general secretary Hedley Dawson in 1999, and during his time on the management board has helped update the league’s rules as well as introducing a new format of Premiership and two Conferences (instead of Sections A and B).

He was also responsible for organising and arranging several very successful annual league dinners.

Confusion over the whereabouts of a trophy led to a disagreement between Whiteley and France – and the former’s resignation.

In a statement Whiteley explained: “Since taking up my position in 1999, the chairman has always been ultra keen on being kept in all communication loops, and most of the league officials, past and present, will testify to that, especially when, unintentionally, we have fallen foul of that.

“Such a requirement is, however, only fair if it also applies in reverse, and unfortunately that has not been the case recently, hence my decision.

“I am up front in all matters. If I have offended anyone from time to time, then I apologise, but no-one can ever accuse me of a lack of integrity.

“This has not been an easy decision as I could have taken a different route and quite honestly I did not want to resign. But, as in most cases when a principle is involved, someone has to stand up, or in this case stand down, and be counted.

“May I wish everyone the very best of luck in the future and that cricket and the League continues very successfully. I have enjoyed working on my contribution.”

The new season starts on Saturday, April 19.