Legendary batsman Dean is new Staffordshire president

STEVE Dean has been elected as Staffordshire’s new president at the county club's annual meeting.

- Chris Travers

He takes over the role from Nick Archer, who has served his permitted two three-year terms.

Dean is Staffordshire’s all-time leading run scorer, having made 10,163 Championship runs during a county career which spanned from 1982 until 2003.

He also registered a record 19 Championship centuries for Staffs, as well as scoring 1,901 runs in one-day cricket.

Dean was part of the all-conquering Staffordshire side which won three successive Championship titles between 1991 and 1993, plus two one-day crowns.

He then succeeded Archer as captain and led the side to Championship glory in 1998.

Dean’s club career spanned the length of the county, playing for Cheadle in North Staffs as well as Walsall in the Birmingham League.

“I am trying to put back something into Staffordshire that I took out during my playing career,” said Dean.

“It’s a nice accolade and I’m proud to be the new president. It’s the right time for me after having a few years out of it.”

Dean, who lives on the south coast, has been a spectator at matches in recent seasons.

And despite living out of the area, he’s aiming to be in attendance at games in 2026.

“I've tried to get up at least once a year to watch games and it’s my intention to come to a few more,” he explained.

“I'm really looking forward to meeting the members at matches.”