Glamorgan are bottom of County Championship Division Two

In a message to the county's members, Russell says Glamorgan have "failed to meet even our lowest expectations".

The Welsh county have the worst record of all counties having managed just two victories in all competitions this season to date.

"There have been occasions, indeed many occasions, when we appear to have surrendered too tamely," Russell said.

Russell concedes Glamorgan have been unlucky with "freak injuries, dreadful weather conditions" but he stressed the current run of form cannot be tolerated.

"My purpose in writing is not to catalogue performances of which we are all too aware," he added.

606: DEBATE At least the senior management recognise some poor efforts this year Taff1954

"My purpose is rather to assure the Club's members and supporters that both the Executive Management and the General Committee do not consider the current position to be tenable and are working to address the challenge."

Glamorgan's first move to tackle the problems has been to appoint former captain Matthew Maynard as a cricket manager.

Maynard will take up his post later this month to assist first-team coach Adrian Shaw and to identify potential new recruits.

Glamorgan supporters have been critical of the lack of funds made available to strengthen the squad while millions of pounds have been spent on redeveloping their Sophia Gardens home.

But Russell has promised that at least two new players will be signed for next season, and that every effort will be made to persuade Simon Jones to sign a new contract.

"We will be signing for next season an opening batsman and a strike bowler (one of whom will be our overseas player)," he said.

He added: "The current performance of the team is now our greatest business challenge.

"It is important that our members, supporters and sponsors understand that we are doing everything we can to address this challenge.

"The change to the cricket management structure and the release of funds with which to strengthen the squad with new players is the start of that process.

"We do not expect any overnight transformations. We do, however, expect the work we are doing now to bear fruit in the next few years."