Graham Taylor joins Warwickshire

Warwickshire have marked the 100-day countdown to the opening of their £32million Edgbaston redevelopment by signing up Graham Taylor for the season.

Former Villa and England boss Taylor became the 100th person to take the final membership place of Warwickshire's prestigious 1882 Club at the new facility.

As well as his football interests, Taylor is a keen cricket fan and is looking forward to taking in some action at the revamped ground.

He said: "I just can't believe what a difference this new development will mean to Edgbaston.

"From what I have seen already it looks absolutely fantastic and will give cricket lovers who come here a whole new exciting cricketing experience."

Warwickshire sales manager Darren Andrew added that the county were happy to welcome one of its more famous regulars on to the scheme.

He said: "We are delighted Graham has taken up this final 1882 membership offer.

"He is a regular at Edgbaston and, like football, is highly knowledgeable about the sport as well as a great conversationalist and a personal friend to so many people here.

"He's a great advert for the game and we look forward to seeing him throughout the season."

The developers will hand over the keys for the new stand to Warwickshire on July 1, but the official opening will take place on July 15.

It gives the county time to iron out on teething problems before England take on India at the new-look Edgbaston in the third test on August 10.