I was sorting through the stuff in our magazine rack yesterday and came across the 2008 Club Yearbook.
On page 31, there are the photographs of the 20 members of the playing staff for 2009.
Still there from that time - and mind that is only two years - are Borrington, Clare, Groenewald, Needham, Park, Redfern, Sheikh and Smith - eight in total.
Gone are Birch, Hinds, Hunter, Langeveldt, Lawson, Lungley, Pipe, Rogers, Sadler, Stubbings, Telo and Wagg - 12 in total.
They have been replaced by Hughes, Sutton, Footitt, Turner, Lineker, Jones, Madsen and Durston, plus an array of youngsters and an as yet to be named overseas player.
The squad is younger and of a higher quality. The right overseas player could be a catalyst for a decent season, but key to this will be the money we have available.
Tomorrow I'll look at this position and who we might see at Derbyshire.
Of those gone, Langeveldt, Pipe, Rogers and Wagg were up there. Only the latter really offered much further mid term return though.
ReplyDeleteOf those retained since 2008, Clare, Groenewald and Smith have achieved, albeit the former in between injury. Of the others, Sheikh looks the best bet to me, although I still feel Redfern could come through, maybe Needham if he can get on a roll in the side.
From the arrivals/newish players, Hughes and Madsen stand out. Jones, Sutton and Durston are pretty reliable. Footitt offers hope, whilst I offer hope that Turner and Lineker click.
Just my opinion of course, but I think a lot could hang on Madsen, overseas chappie, Hughes, Smith and, possibly, Footitt in 2011. Oh, and injuries (lack of).
MASTERVILLAIN