HAMPSHIRE chairman Rod Bransgrove has spent more than £10m on ensuring the county’s exciting future – and may not get it all back.

Bransgrove revealed the extent of his financial commitment to Rose Bowl plc as he announced he will step down as chief executive on December 1, having combined both roles for the last 12 years.

After confirming he will continue as chairman, Bransgrove said he has spent “well in excess of £10m” ensuring Hampshire’s continued viability.

“It’s going to be very difficult to wrest me away from the business entirely, I’ve got a lot of personal interest wrapped up in it, it’s become very much a part of me over the last dozen years or so,” he said.

“But I refute absolutely that I’m in this for the money, in any way.

“That’s a ridiculous assertion, it simply doesn’t take account of anything I’ve done here at all – including 12 years unpaid.

“I participated in the last fundraising to quite a considerable extent, so I’m fully financially committed to the Ageas Bowl and don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future.

“I wouldn’t say I’m not going to get any of it back at any point but it’s not something that’s at the forefront of my radar at the moment.”

Full story in today's Daily Echo