CHIEF executive Tom Scott says Worcestershire County Cricket Club slipped behind Worcester Warriors in trying to maximise their commercial clout.

But Scott believes the County are now refocusing their commercial strategy under the direction of Jon Graham, who became Worcestershire’s first managing director last October.

A new café, set to open at New Road next month, will “nibble away” at the County’s debts which stood at £5,223,918 at the end of the last financial year.

And audit chairman Fanos Hira says the County have already “paid back a significant amount of debt” in the first quarter of this year.

Members heard Scott’s objectives at the County’s well-attended annual general meeting in the Graeme Hick Pavilion on Wednesday.

There were few surprises during the hour-long meeting – apart from a fire alarm sounding shortly after the event had got under way.

Scott replaced David Leatherdale as chief executive in an interim capacity last year and was confirmed in the role on a permanent basis after six months.

And Scott revealed Worcestershire, who are hoping to sell the naming rights of the ground, have not taken out any loans since his arrival at the helm.

His longer-term strategy is to convert the County into a thriving 365 days a year organisation and competing with Warriors for private and business functions.

The underlying position the County remains one of loss-making — of £71,339 until the end of 2016.

A surplus of £428,661 for the past financial year was only due to an additional £500,000 England and Wales Cricket Board payment.

Chairman Stephen Taylor highlighted the overall debt levels in English cricket, describing it as “around £190 million”.

“Cash-flow is a constant challenge for this club,” he said. “But we have a strong budget set for Tom to deliver.”

Hira revealed membership numbers had risen “quite sharply” for the coming season and says the County’s finances are improving significantly.

“There was a loss (last year) but the issues are being addressed and I expect significant improvement in 2017 and moving forward,” said Hira.

“We have already paid back a significant amount of debt which was due and we have reduced our debt.

“The immediate focus is to reduce the loan obligations and properly invest in cricket in the future and I believe the outlook is positive.”

Scott praised his committed staff at New Road and gave thanks to Graham who had previously held business development director, commercial director and general manager roles at the club.

Scott says Worcestershire can repay their debt and every pound of debt is being dealt with.

He also called on members to support the new café, called Foley’s, which is due to open in April.

The county are converting the 1865 Lounge into a coffee house which will be open to the public all year round but exclusively to members and supporters on match days.

It will be named in honour of Paul Foley who had a major role to play as club secretary in Worcestershire’s formative years at the end of the 19th century.

“We will have the best bacon, coffee and sandwiches,” said Scott.

“Between 7am and 11am (each day) more than 1,000 people walk past New Road and into town.

“It’s an income generator to nibble away at the debt.”