Former ECB chief David Collier awarded OBE

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke today praised the achievements of the ECB's former Chief Executive David Collier after he was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

Collier, who retired as the ECB's CEO earlier this year after a decade in the post, was the most prominent cricketing figure to be honoured in this year's list.

Other recipients included Ed Davies who is the Chairman of Bishops Cannings Cricket Club near Devizes in Wiltshire. He was awarded a British Empire Medal.

Ed founded the club with a group of friends in 1988 and it now boasts four adult sides, six junior teams, a 150-strong membership and a new pavilion.

Commenting on the awards, Giles Clarke said: "David's OBE is richly deserved and I am sure he and his family will be thrilled by this award. He provided outstanding leadership for ECB over the last decade; a period which saw record levels of investment in our professional and recreational games, significant growth in women's and disabilities cricket, and major on-field successes for both the England men's and women's teams.

"Prior to joining ECB, David served our county game with great distinction. He held senior management positions at four different counties and, during his tenure as Nottinghamshire CCC's CEO, played a leading role in the transformation of Trent Bridge into one of the most admired cricket venues in the country.

"He has also retained a life-long interest in hockey, acting as Tournament Director for the sport at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and I am sure that all his many friends throughout the sporting world will welcome today's news.

"We also send congratulations to Ed Davies on his award which will be warmly welcomed by everyone connected with Wiltshire cricket.

"Volunteers like Ed who devote their spare time to running local cricket clubs are the lifeblood of our recreational game and it's fantastic to see all his hard work on behalf of the club receive national recognition."