(LONDON) David Morgan has beaten rival Mike Soper in the race to succeed Lord MacLaurin as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Former Glamorgan chairman Morgan, MacLaurin's deputy for the last four years, polled 11 votes to Surrey chairman Soper's eight in Thursday's vote of the First Class Forum.

Morgan will now take the job subject to the ratification of ECB members next month.

Morgan said: ''Whilst I recognise that the result of the ballot has yet to be endorsed by the 39 members of the ECB, I am nevertheless delighted to have received the backing of the FCF.

''Michael Soper has clearly gained a significant amount of support, and it will be important for the Board to embrace some of his ideas, especially about the further popularisation of cricket.

''If my nomination is endorsed, I look forward to working with Michael and others to build on the very positive foundations for the game that have been laid during Ian MacLaurin's tenure of office.''

Morgan will take office on January 1 next year if given the backing of the 39 members of the ECB - the 18 first-class counties, 20 minor counties and the MCC.

13 Sep, 2002