David Sheepshanks has joined the board of World Snooker as a non-executive director. The Town chairman is the first independent director to join the board of professional snooker's worldwide governing body.

World Snooker's chief executive officer Jim McKenzie said: "David Sheepshanks has a wealth of knowledge of both sport and business, which makes him a hugely valuable addition to the board. The appointment of independent, non-executive directors is in accordance with the principles of best business practice. As an influential businessman with no affiliations to anyone within snooker or connections with the sport, David will be able to act as a watchdog to ensure that all our affairs are conducted transparently and efficiently."

Mark Wildman, a former World biliards champion and now the chairman of World Snooker added: "All the directors would like to welcome David on board and believe he has a major role to play in the development of the sport."

Sheepshanks himself said: "I am excited to have been asked to join World Snooker. Snooker carries huge public support with television viewing figures second only to football. The board and senior management have ambitious plans to build on this excellent platform in furthering the popularity of the game and I look forward to supporting them in that effort."

Town's squad will travel to Manchester this afternoon for tomorrow's game with United. They will have had a light training session this morning and the squad holds few surprises, although Alun Armstrong returns after his head injury last weekend.

Squad: Sereni, Branagan, Marshall, Wilnis, Makin, Hreidarsson, McGreal, Bramble, Clapham, Venus, Gaardsøe, Holland, Magilton, Wright, Miller, George, Reuser, Stewart, Armstrong, Couñago, Naylor, Bent.

Photo: Action Images

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