James Whitaker has handed in his resignation as Leicestershire's secretary-manager after three years in the post.

The former player and captain who made his debut for the county in 1983, was appointed to succeed David Collier in 2000.

But Whitaker has now decided to seek a career change and says: "It has been a wonderful opportunity to look at cricket from a different angle, and I am grateful to the club for giving me that chance.

"If I am totally honest however I do miss the involvement with the playing side of things. For two or three weeks now I have been reviewing my position, and I have decided the time is right to call it a day at Leicestershire after more than 20 very happy years at the club.

"There is no fall-out and no animosity. It is absolutely 100 per cent amicable. I just feel it is time to move on and look at other options. There are a couple of things I am investigating, one of which could keep me closer to the cricketing side of things.

"Because of the financial situation it has been a tough three years, but we have still managed to stay in the top division of both competitions, which is a good achievement for a small club."

As captain Whitaker led Leicestershire to the County Championship title in 1996 and 1998. He scored nearly 17,000 runs and hit 37 centuries in his Grace Road career, averaging just under 39.

Leicestershire chairman Brian Groves said he was "stunned" when Whitaker handed in his notice. "I am very sad but James has been a magnificent servant to the club and we have to respect his wishes. I have nothing but good things to say about him. The committee will meet as soon as possible to decide what course of action to take in terms of a successor."

© Leicestershire CCC