Yorkshire have made it crystal clear that Michael Atherton will not be on their Christmas card list this winter - and quite right, too.

The former England and Lancashire captain, never short of a moan and a sullen look at Press conferences during his playing days, has now slammed the newly developed Headingley, saying that it looks "soulless".

Utter rubbish.

Headingley never had the same 'feel' for county cricket as other grounds in Yorkshire down the years like Bradford Park Avenue, Bramall Lane, Scarborough and Harrogate.

But as a Test venue it has seen some of the greatest matches ever played in this country and it continues to stage absorbing contests.

The old ground, which was in danger of falling apart, certainly never had any soul in its brickwork, so I cannot understand what Atherton thinks has been lost by replacing decrepit structures and seating with vastly improved new ones which have revitalised the venue - and not a minute too soon.

Not that Yorkshire followers, or Lancashire ones for that matter, will take Atherton's chuntering too seriously.

He's no friend of county cricket with his weary remarks that he cannot see the point of it all, comments that have even led some Lancashire members to suggest flippantly that he should return to the club the many thousands of pounds they helped contribute to his benefit season.

Yorkshire followers are just grateful that not only does Headingley still exist but that it is undergoing a complete refurbishment and its future has been secured by the new 15-year deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board for staging Test matches.

If former chairman Keith Moss and the old committee had not begun the ground's improvements when they did and if current chief executive Colin Graves and the new management board had not then bailed the club out of a horrendous financial crisis, Yorkshire may not now even exist.

And, for Atherton's information, the re-building of Headingley is still far from complete, with a new pavilion and media centre planned for the Kirkstall Lane end of the ground and extensive alterations to the grandstand.

Referring to some of the complaints about the new-look Headingley, Yorkshire's director of operations, Geoff Cope, said: "We believe people should have a fair say about the ground and constructive criticism is welcome but we were disappointed that Michael Atherton should say the stadium seemed soulless and it was that which caused our president to say he was off the club's Christmas card list.

"Fortunately, Atherton is one of a very few to complain and the majority of people have admired what we have done and many have made it clear that they believe the improvements are a dramatic step forward.

"It is our intention to make Headingley one of the best grounds in the country and one of the most enjoyable to watch cricket in at all levels."

Now that the 15-year staging agreement has been signed, expect an announcement within the next few days that Yorkshire are at last in a position to buy Headingley from their landlords, Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co.

I understand that talks between the parties are at an advanced stage and that only a few details remain to be ironed out.

Once that has been done, Yorkshire will have to call a special general meeting to get formal agreement from the members but this should be nothing more than a formality.

It is good news for Yorkshire and England that Headingley's future is secure - and that it's soul goes marching on.

Updated: 09:56 Saturday, June 26, 2004