Lancashire Cricket Club's New Second Home at Farington: Hopes and Concerns

Lancashire Cricket Club has officially taken possession of its new second ground at Farington, located near Preston. This facility features two ovals: one professional for the men's and women's first and second teams, and a recreational one. The design is inspired by Christchurch’s Hagley Oval in New Zealand, aiming to create a family-friendly atmosphere with grass banks for spectators. The club plans to host a couple of Metro Bank men’s games and a women’s game at this new venue by the end of July and September, respectively.

The Guardian

The 2025 season began with optimism for Lancashire's men, who were expected to quickly return to Division One of the County Championship after a disappointing relegation in 2024. However, the team struggled significantly, failing to secure a win in the first two months and culminating in an innings defeat against Leicestershire. This led to the resignation of captain Keaton Jennings and the dismissal of head coach Dale Benkenstein. Following these changes, interim coach Steven Croft guided the team to improved performances, finishing fifth in the Championship standings. Croft has since been confirmed as the permanent coach, with veteran player Jimmy Anderson taking on the role of red-ball captain for the 2026 season.

The Guardian

Lancashire Cricket Club has committed to 750 hours of community work in collaboration with Lancashire County Council, aiming to provide cricket experiences for children in state schools. Chief Executive Daniel Gidney emphasized the shift in focus from commercial development to enhancing cricket facilities. However, the club's membership has expressed dissatisfaction, feeling neglected amid a focus on financial gains. Some members worry that the new Farington ground may replace beloved outgrounds, which are integral to the club's identity. One member voiced concerns about accessibility, noting that traveling to Farington could be more cumbersome than attending matches at Old Trafford.

The Guardian

As the groundstaff prepare the pitches for play, Gidney highlighted the uniqueness of the Farington facility, likening it to a Premiership training ground. He believes it will enhance performance on the field and attract top talent to Manchester. Despite the excitement surrounding the new venue, skepticism remains among some members regarding its impact on traditional outground cricket. The club's commitment to maintaining outground matches may alleviate some concerns, but the long-term acceptance of Farington as a primary venue will depend on its reception by the club's dedicated fanbase.

The Guardian

• “We want all the kids in state schools across Lancashire to have a cricket experience. This is not about kids from wealthy families having private nets.” — Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive

The Guardian

• “it doesn’t happen because it is expensive and complicated.” — Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive

The Guardian

• “It’s a selfish point of view to some extent because I’m up the road from Old Trafford and it would take longer to travel there and back to Farington than it would to watch a T20 game there.” — Anonymous Lancashire Member

The Guardian

While the club has committed to community engagement and maintaining some outground cricket, there are differing opinions among members about the potential impact of Farington on traditional venues. Some members fear that Farington will overshadow other outgrounds, while the club insists it will continue to support outground matches. The full implications of this new facility on the club's culture and member satisfaction remain to be seen.

The Guardian