PAUL ALLOTT, controversially sacked by Lancashire in 1992, is battling for a place on Old Trafford's committee.

The 40-year-old former paceman, now a top broadcaster with Sky, is one of seven candidates fighting for four places at the club's annual meeting on December 14.

Allott had an impressive 14 year career, playing in 13 Tests, and winning honours in all the domestic one-day competitions before being released by Lancashire during a turbulent spell at the club.

Since then he has emerged as a leading commentator on the game and has returned to Old Trafford to help coach the squad.

Three committee members - Murray Birnie, Keith Hayhurst and Colin Walker - bid for re-election, and also in the frame are Brian Fitzgerald, Janet Entwistle and Sue Grainger. Meanwhile Geoff Ogden, chairman of the cricket sub-committee has delivered a hard-hitting annual report, paying tribute to Lancashire's Benson and Hedges Cup and Natwest Trophy double, but slating their championship performance.

Lancashire plunged to 15th and Ogden says: "On too many occasions there was a lack of resolve and application, and in the last weeks of the season there was also a lack of support for the captain which is a cause of great concern."

Ogden believes that skipper Mike Watkinson's link with new head coach Dave Whatmore will produce a big improvement in 1997, saying: "Whatmore is a proven winner and he is under no illusions as to the importance of championship success."

Lancashire's one-day heroics, featuring a series of big Old Trafford matches, helped the club to a net profit of £180,000.

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