Canterbury Cricket board member David Shackleton has been appointed chairman of the board to replace Maurice Ryan who is moving to Sydney to head the Australian operation of EBOS.

Shackleton, a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Christchurch, has been a board member since 1998 and was a member of review committees appointed by New Zealand Cricket to look at aspects of the game in New Zealand.

He believes in the need for stronger links with 'grassroots cricket' and sees the appointment of a community cricket manager as a significant step in this process.

"The Board is finalising its draft Strategic Plan and of the key aspects is the establishment of a comprehensive coaching structure to support our clubs, schools and districts ... there is a likelihood of increased funding from New Zealand Cricket and my priority is to ensure these resources are used to support a coaching programme that encourages participation and develops elite talent," Shackleton said.

"We will look forward to discussion of our draft plan with clubs and school to ensure that the maximum benefits are gained by all parties".

Cran Bull, a former Canterbury captain is a partner in the law firm of Saunders & Co, and has been co-opted to fill the vacancy on the board.

A long-standing senior player for the High School Old Boys Club, he is also a former president of that club and continues to play in the President's grade. He is a former Board member of New Zealand Cricket serving that body between 1983-1995.

Commenting on his return to sports administration Cran Bull said that he retained a passion for the game and was delighted to be involved again with Canterbury Cricket.

Commenting to CricInfo on his departure, Ryan said, he was leaving Canterbury Cricket in good heart but felt that he was only coming to grips with the various issues facing the Association. Ryan said that he, "had greatly enjoyed his time on the Board and while the game faced some complex issues he was confident that these challenges would be overcome".

© CricInfro