In a new series of features we interview leading North East business personalities and talk about their alternate sporting careers and remaining aspirations away from the office. This month we chat to Michael Richardson, CEO of South Northumberland Cricket Club.
What inspired you to start participating/ playing cricket?
My dad was a professional cricketer so from a young age my family would go and watch his matches, I was in awe of the great players he played with and I would mimic their styles. Later, the runs at school and university gave me the confidence that I had some ability and I was desperate to pursue a career in sport.
Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
From cricket it would be Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Neil McKenzie but I had many heroes from the sporting world. I watched and played a lot of sport growing up.
What do you most enjoy about your sport?
aThe changing room, the lifestyle, the experiences and the people you meet, as well as practicing and batting.
What has been your most memorable sporting moment?
I would say winning the County Championship in 2013 with Durham. It was great to see the pride for their team the region had. It was a good experience to be a part of a team that was full of local talent whom had grown up in the North East. We were invited to show the trophy at a Sunderland v Liverpool game and it was a fun time and a fun few weeks. Participating at the t20 finals day was also up there, it was the best theatre I have been involved in on a cricket pitch, in front of a packed Edgbaston.
Who has been the greatest influence on your sporting career?
Besides my family, there have been many at key stages in my career. I have moved around often so it would be unfair to pinpoint one. I had good coaches growing up in South Africa and at school at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire. There have been people who have backed and supported me at crucial times at university, the MCC YCs and in county cricket. Jon Lewis and Geoff Cook gave me my first county contract. Overseas professionals and senior players in county cricket are also so influential on a dressing room.
If you could be one sportsman who would it be and why?
AB de Villiers or Virat Kholi. They have mastered the mindset of being a cricketer which is a sport with such ups and downs and of course both are freakishly good players. Separately those group of golfers coming through like Rickie Fowler, McIlroy and Justin Thomas are incredibly refreshing how they are right at the pinnacle of their sport and are having fun whilst there.
What are your remaining sporting aspirations?
I am thoroughly enjoying representing Germany and playing local cricket. The German experience has been great and its story as a cricketing nation is just beginning. I would really like to go into sports administration or a role slightly closer to a team as I am fascinated by man management and how the best create appropriate environments and cultures.