A FORMER Somerset County Cricket Club chief executive is to take up the same role with EFL Championship club Bristol City next month.

Richard Gould - the son of Bobby, who played for football clubs including Arsenal, Coventry City, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as both Bristol City and Rovers - will arrive at Ashton Gate in mid-June.

A former tank commander in the British Army, Gould served as Bristol City's commercial director between 2001 and 2005, before switching sport and taking over as Somerset chief executive for six years.

Having seen Somerset finish as runners-up in all three domestic competitions in 2010, Gould left one cricket club for another the year after, taking over as Surrey's chief executive.

In his 10 years at the Kia Oval, the club has undergone an extensive redevelopment and enjoyed years of record financial success, almost doubling its membership, while also winning the County Championship and producing numerous England players.

Ahead of the 51-year-old's arrival at Ashton Gate, Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown said: “Richard has the right skills and qualities we need.

"He has a sport, military and business background, as well as a strong local connection, and we have no doubt that he is the right person to lead this club forward.”

Gould commented: “I am really excited to be returning to Bristol City and the area.

"I understand the scale of ambition and also the energy required to fulfil that.

"There is a lot of hard work ahead and I am looking forward to meeting the challenges we face alongside Steve, Jon, Nigel and the rest of the club.”