McGrath's the man

The board heard director of cricket, Geoff Cope, put forward his preferred choices and 27-year-old Bradford-born McGrath and wicketkeeper Richard Blakey were believed to be at the top of his list.

Whoever the board decide upon will be called to Headingley today and if he agrees to take on the job his identity will be revealed at a Press Conference.

Blakey led the side well in the latter part of last season when Darren Lehmann had returned to Australia, but at 37 his appointment would be a short-term measure whereas McGrath still has his best years ahead of him.

Yorkshire have decided on a change of captain because they are now virtually certain that Lehmann will be unavailable this summer because of Test commitments with Australia.

Meanwhile, the financial crisis which almost plunged Yorkshire into bankruptcy last year has resulted in a record loss for the club of over £1m.

The accounts have yet to be audited but the final extent of the deficit will be far greater that anything previously experienced.

Usually in bad years, Yorkshire have finished up about £30,000 in the red.

Although the figures will make gloomy reading, they come as no surprise to the management board, who had the situation outlined to them last night by finance director, Brian Bouttell.

"I am not horrified by the figures. Most of the damage was done before we took over last August," said Bouttell.

"It was impossible for us to have any impact on the 2002 figures but the turn-around process is now in place and this year we have a set of budgets which we know we can meet."

The cost of Yorkshire's redevelopment of Headingley and heavy losses on the marketing side of operations contributed to the slump but the club have now set realistic targets for subscriptions, sponsorship, marketing and the club shop.

Yorkshire members will be able to study the balance sheet in full at the club's annual meeting at Headingley on March 29.