DERMOT Reeve has emerged as a front-runner for a pivotal role in a new management regime at Yorkshire.

Former Somerset coach Reeve is expected to combine his duties as an outspoken and colourful television pundit with his appointment at Headingley.

His arrival will reportedly be the central rung of a fresh management structure as Yorkshire re-evaluate their on and off-field resources in a bid to revive flagging fortunes.

The move was tipped by the Evening Press' Yorkshire cricket writer David Warner in yesterday's Press and appears to be gaining in momentum.

Yorkshire, who won their first county championship for 33 years back in 2001, have since been relegated to Division Two in four-day cricket and this summer went the same way in the one-day National League.

It all leaves chief executive Colin Graves needing to find fresh impetus to lead the most successful county club out of the doldrums.

Graves, who must tonight release Yorkshire's list of retained playing staff to Lord's in what is predicted to be a significant clear-out at Headingley, has so far refused to specify his plans but has confirmed there will be changes.

He insisted: "Nothing has been decided, and no appointment is imminent. But there are several options.

"There will have to be changes, because we have just gone through a very disappointing season - and the cricket side has to be addressed."

Dunnington-based Graves, head of the Costcutter Supermarket chain, said: "I have to turn my attention to the cricket side, and both the coaching and management set-up will be changed."

Speculation has been rife that Reeve, a Channel 4 commentator, will be Yorkshire's man after been seen in dicusssions with Graves.

That could cast doubt over the future of Steve Oldham, director of the academy, and bowling coach Arnie Sidebottom in any new set-up.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, September 24, 2003