Club Statement – Sir Howard Bernstein (1953 – 2024)
Lancashire Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of recent former President, Sir Howard Bernstein, aged 71.
Sir Howard, who stepped down as Lancashire President last month, after ten years in the role, played a transformational role in Lancashire Cricket during his tenure. His influence spread to all areas of this famous cricket club and he will be sorely missed.
Sir Howard was instrumental in the £75 million redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the past 15 years into a world class, multi-purpose stadium.
He also played a leading role in the development of Lancashire’s second home – the multi-million-pound Farington Project in the heart of the county – working alongside Lancashire County Council. As well as hosting men and women’s cricket matches, it will become a Centre of Excellence for women’s cricket in the North-West, further developing the Club’s pathway and age-group system and encouraging the growth of cricket in the region. Sir Howard was a genuine advocate of equality and diversity and always ensured these values were at the heart of Lancashire’s decision making.
The long-term former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council (1998-2017) and former Head of Paid Service for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2011-2017), Sir Howard was best known as one of the chief architects of Manchester’s resurgence over the last four decades. He is credited with Manchester’s rebirth following the 1996 IRA bomb, whilst also playing other critical roles within the city, including bringing the 2002 Commonwealth Games to Manchester and the expansion of the Metrolink.
Sir Howard, who was knighted for his services to Manchester in 2003, provided Lancashire Cricket with strong continuity and leadership after the sad passing of former Chair, David Hodgkiss in March 2020.
He bought this vast experience to his role at Lancashire which ensured the club made significant progress in all key areas.
Lancashire Cricket Chair, Andy Anson has paid tribute to Sir Howard: “I am devastated to hear of Sir Howard’s passing this morning. He has been my mentor, friend and supporter for many years, and I will greatly miss his sage advice, insight and our frequent, fun exchanges. Our differing football allegiances were always a source of entertaining conversation, and I know he would enjoy the fact that he has left us with the blue side of Manchester out in front.
“He made an immeasurable contribution to Lancashire Cricket and his legacy is far-reaching. Many Lancashire supporters will not be aware of his unrelenting work behind the scenes, but he gave the club so much and never asked for anything in return. This work includes major infrastructure projects for the club, and its wider community, the benefits of which will be felt for decades to come. The redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the last 15 years would not have happened without him.
“Under Sir Howard’s leadership, the club has overcome considerable challenges and his incredible hard work and dedication during those periods has helped to guide us into a brighter and more sustainable future.
“When English Cricket has recently had to address the significant issues around equality, diversity and inclusivity, Lancashire were already well positioned, because Sir Howard held these values close to his heart and had always ensured they were central to Lancashire Cricket’s decision-making.
“He was an inspiration to all those around him and had a huge impact on our great Club. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by the many friends, colleagues and members he leaves behind at Emirates Old Trafford.
“The thoughts of everyone at Lancashire Cricket are with his family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
RIP Sir Howard Bernstein (1953 – 2024).