In a statement the Scatcherd Lane club cleared up the circumstances of the recent departure of captain Matt Taylor and moved to assure supporters and members that every effort was being made towards future progress with a five-year plan being put into place.

"So far, the 2008 season has been a difficult one for Morley CC. First team fortunes have not been what we had hoped for, but then any side which loses its overseas opener bowler (Mohammad Azarullah), a county player (Chris Taylor) and one of its better batsman (Matt Taylor) will struggle to produce results in the short term," the statement read.

"But the club is already re-grouping and preparing for improved performances in the latter part of 2008 and to continue the club's development next year and beyond.

"Matthew Taylor resigned as first XI captain at the end of the Priestley Cup tie against Esholt on Sunday, June 29. As captain, he had enjoyed the full support and backing of the cricket committee for the whole of the 2008 season.

"The background to Matt's departure is that he had become frustrated by the loss of overseas player Azarullah and there have been some differences of opinion with some team members and officials on team selection and club policies.

"After the Esholt game, Matt reported that he had been heavily criticised by a club member as he left the field and he had, therefore, decided to resign the captaincy and leave the club with immediate effect.

"As a result, Scatcherd Lane favourite Adam Larkin has been unanimously endorsed by the committee as captain for the remainder of 2008.

"Adam is also looking to build the long term future of the club via a five-year plan.

"Established players like Nathan Bromby, Danny Lloyd, Dave Nebard and Michael Cooper are still very much part of the team and we are immensely proud of the development of ex-juniors like Tom Smith and Michael Davies and current junior Spenser Horsfall.

"In addition, the club has not lost its ability to attract quality players from other clubs and evidence of this is provided by the recent signing of Richard Barber."

Morley's junior section is progressing well and this will be a mainstay of the club's development in future years as an academy structure is being developed to nurture the best of the young players.