Kent's newly-elected chairman says the next two summers will be crucial for the county's long-term future.

Businessman and former professional rugby league player George Kennedy was elected to succeed Carl Openshaw after being the county's president for 2007.

Mr Kennedy will oversee a £10million redevelopment of St Lawrence, which is set for completion by spring 2010. It is a scheme he believes is vital if the club is to evolve and flourish.

Mr Kennedy, who lives in Chilham, near Canterbury said: "I believe the cricket side of things at Kent is in good shape.

"Over the next two years we will face quite a few commercial issues concerning the redevelopment. To have a commercial animal like me as chairman and be involved in all that, should, I hope, be quite helpful."

While understanding members' concerns that Kent have little experience in managing construction projects and that the club may well need to borrow £3million in order to complete the scheme, Mr Kennedy believes the rebirth of St Lawrence is essential.

He added: "When it's finished the value of the entire site will be around £40million, so in terms of local amenity and economy that has to be a good thing."

See this week's Kentish Gazette for the full interview.