NORTHUMBERLAND County Cricket Club are planning a radical shake-up after enduring one of the worst seasons in their history.
The county won just one of their six three-day games and none of their one-dayers in 2011, finishing second-bottom of the Minor Counties’ Championship and bottom of their MCCA Trophy group.
And, with team manager Bill Graham stepping down after 10 years in the post and Marc Symington resigning the captaincy at the end of the season, the Northumberland committee have decided to revamp the club’s structure from top to bottom.
Northumberland have drawn up a blueprint that includes finding replacements for Graham and Symington, but also calls for the appointment of a player-coach and the formalisation of already-established links between the club and Durham’s academy which would see promising young academy players given a chance to play three-day MCC cricket.
Northumberland chairman Alan McKenna said: “This was a hugely disappointing season for the club so it was clear that we needed to look at the problems we face and the way we do things to try to make sure that there is no repeat. Doing nothing and hoping for the best just isn’t an option.
“With Bill and Marc both stepping down at the end of the season, it has given us a chance to make some changes.
“We are looking for a new team manager to carry on the excellent work Bill has put in over the last decade, and also a new captain to replace Marc who, although he remains fully committed to playing for the county and is a stand-out player with both bat and ball, has decided that the club would be better served by a captain who lives closer to our base in Jesmond.
“But the committee also feels that the team would benefit from the addition of a coach – or, preferably, a player-coach. And we have also reached an agreement with Durham that they will continue to allow us to use their academy players on a regular basis.”
Like many counties, Northumberland have been hit hard by a lack of available players in recent years, particularly for three-day games.
Injuries, work and family commitments have ruled out experienced players from time to time, while some players have also put club before county when fixtures have clashed with North East Premier League cup matches or ECB National competitions.
The problems encountered by Northumberland are illustrated by the fact that the club used a total of 30 players in their six three-day games last season. “Player availability has been a major problem,” admits McKenna. “There have been many occasions when we have gone into games without some of our most experienced players and, of course, that has had a major impact on our results.
“We are realistic enough to know that not every player will be able to play in every game, but want to establish a committed squad who want to play for Northumberland and who will be available for the vast majority of our fixtures. Next season will be a landmark year for our Osborne Avenue ground, which will celebrate 125 years of hosting cricket matches.
“The pavilion and clubhouse will be upgraded and there is also a plan to apply for Heritage status in view of the long history of cricket. A lot of hard work is being put in off the pitch, and we are determined to put together a team that works just as hard on the pitch,” said McKenna.
:: ANYONE interested in applying for the positions of team manager or player-coach can contact Northumberland chairman Alan McKenna on 07960 012748.
