Alan McManus has been co-opted to the board of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association as a player director.
The Scot succeeds six-time world champion Steve Davis, who has decided to step down from his role with immediate effect.
As a player who still competes on the Main Tour to a very high level, 46 year-old McManus represents a wise and natural choice.
McManus, a two-time ranking event winner and the 1994 Masters champion, has experienced all the highs and lows in the game and should act as a strong voice for all the players on the board.
A Crucible semi-finalist in 2016, McManus said: “It was a great honour to be invited to join the WPBSA board, in particular to follow a true legend of the sport in Steve Davis who of course leaves a big pair of shoes to fill.”
“The tour has seen massive improvements during the past seven years thanks to the work carried out by the WPBSA and World Snooker, but of course we always want things to be even better.
“My prime concern is that of the players. I am one myself so understand the concerns and I am determined to not just be in a role for the sake of it.
“I want to be active and to be able to make a difference. I am concerned about every player, whether at the top or bottom of the rankings, or at amateur level. I am really excited by the challenge ahead.”
As part of his new role, McManus now looks forward to being able to use his vast experience on the tour to support the playing membership and, alongside fellow player director Ken Doherty, he will sit on the new Players Commission.
The Players Commission, which replaces the old Players Forum, acts as a union to deal with any concerns from tour members and will be chaired by 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy – with Mark Williams, Mark Allen, Mark Davis, Joe Perry, Rory McLeod, and Peter Lines also on the panel.
Murphy said: “I am thrilled to be able to take up this new role and look forward to working with my fellow players to ensure that the interests of those across the ranking list are represented equally.”
“I would encourage all players to be proactive and to come to us with any concerns, ideas, or suggestions so that we can help.
“The Players Commission seeks to be a much faster, proactive version of the Forum it replaces and together with all members of the Commission, is available to you at any time.”
