Great expectations? Season Preview

The cynics among Derbyyshire fans would follow that line with something along the lines of "we haven't the Dickens of a chance". Boom and indeed boom...

No doubt after the first defeat there'll be the usual moaners (Roy from Littleover anyone?)that its the same old rubbish, but does anyone think that realistically we can win something this year?

I'll be the first to admit that this looks a stronger squad than we have had for some time, but the major consideration for this season has again to be progress. There are a lot of young players in this squad and it is unrealistic and unfair to expect them to play to potential in every game. Young players don't do that and its part of the reason why John Morris has engaged Stuart Law and can also count on Chris Rogers and Wavell Hinds when the going gets tough.

This season we are likely to see signs of rare talent in Dan Redfern, mercurial ability in Greg Smith and all round excellence from Graham Wagg and Jon Clare. The potential for which both Garry Park and Tim Groenewald were signed will also surface, but the success of the team will be dictated by how frequently this happens. It is unfair for us to expect this every time they play, but more realistic to expect them to be giving 100% and playing competitive, attractive cricket along the way.

That's not always possible of course, and there'll be times when a gritty four hour fifty from Steve Stubbings or John Sadler will be crucial. If we lost two or three seamers we'd have a problem and if Jake Needham sustained an injury we've only got a trialist leggie (Mark Lawson) in reserve apart from part timers.

The opposition is considerable too. In the Championship this season we will face the relegated Surrey and Kent. Both have a galaxy of batting talent and must aim to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. There is also Middlesex, another side of talented batsmen and young bowlers of potential, as well as Essex, a one day side of talent and flair who don't seem to translate their talent into the longer game. Many judges would deem these sides as being "better" than Derbyshire.

The other half on paper may not look as strong. Northants blow hot and cold, Glamorgan are a younger side than us, Gloucestershire rely too heavily on Jon Lewis for wickets and Leicestershire are another side of youth and variable ability.

I would like to think we could get a top four finish in the Championship, with anything more than that down to players staying fit and young ones making a stride forward. If we get a good start then something higher may be on the cards, but if I was a betting man I'd think any two from the four southern counties are favourites for the promotion slots.

In the FP Trophy we're up against Glamorgan, Lancashire, Essex and Northants. Out of those sides I would argue that on our day we could beat any of them but Essex are the strongest side on paper and reputation. Glamorgan in Wales are a fair side and Robert Croft always takes wickets against us. Lancashire are a side in transition and Northants are a little like us - big scores are possible but they can also fall apart. With the signing of Stuart Law to add to Wavell Hinds and Chris Rogers one would hope our batting should post a few totals. Tom Lungley's return to fitness should compensate for the loss of Charl Langeveldt and our depth of batting should keep us involved in matches. Group qualification is not beyond us, but after that, who knows?

In the 20/20 I'm less confident. We've never got to grips with this game and maybe this is the year, but a group that also includes Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire won't see us regarded as favourites or anything like it.

I am sure John Morris will get them up for games and don't for a minute think I'm writing off our chances. No one will be more delighted than I if we exceed expectations. I have no doubts regarding the talent of the Derbyshire players, simply on their ability to make it count on a regular basis. With powerful stroke players, a plethora of all rounders, good seamers and a young spinner of genuine talent we can surprise teams this season. If we start to do it regularly we'll be making serious progress.