http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:38:45 +0100 MyBB http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1934 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:28:43 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1934 http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content...69787.html]]> http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content...69787.html]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1933 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:15:28 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1933 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1932 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:41:09 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1932 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1931 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:06:46 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1931

"Responding to Giles's plea for more investment in the side, Colin Povey, the club's chief executive, confirmed that funding a successful cricket team remains Warwickshire's priority.
After eight losses in 11 championship games, Warwickshire are bottom of the championship table and were recently knocked out of the T20 competition at the quarter-final stage. Their batting has been consistently brittle all season and it has become clear that new recruits are required. It looks as if the club have already missed out on their first target, Eoin Morgan, but other quality batsmen, such as Ravi Bopara, remain on the radar.
"We've always prioritised investment into cricket," Povey said. "The reason we've embarked on the ground redevelopment is, ultimately, so we can fund more investment into out cricket.
"We actually can't spend that much more. We're probably only £150-200,000 under the salary cap, so there isn't that much margin. There really aren't many clubs spending more than us.
"The issue is more about identifying suitable talent. Clearly we need to replace the runs that Trott and Bell would be scoring for us, which is about 2,500 a season. Finding a couple of people to do that is very difficult and simply throwing money at the problem isn't the answer. It's more about finding quality resources and players. But yes, if we look down the squad and we're honest, we do seem to be short of the players who can step in for Trott and Bell at the moment.
"We've lost some quality players over recent years: Wagh, Moeen Ali, Knight and Loudon, for example. And, when you combine that with international calls [Warwickshire have been without Trott, Bell, Woakes, Rankin, Ateeq Javid and Paul Best due to international calls this season], it can make things tough.
"The other question is: are we a club that believes in developing our own talent; or do we want to bring in mercenaries. I thought we were in a 'grow your own' mode, but if Ash says he has two or three players he really wants to bring in, we'll try damn hard to find the money for him."
Money is tight, however. The club is struggling to meet any of its commercial targets at present with membership marginally down, ticket sales for the domestic T20 and the neutral T20Is between Pakistan and Australia also below target and ticket sales for the Test against Pakistan sluggish.
"Ticket sales for the Test are very important to us," Povey said. "We're a bit below where we'd like to be and, if we don't sell aggressively in the next week or so, there's no way of making up that money.
"We did take slightly more money from T20 tickets, but clearly we had to stage extra games so the costs outdid the benefits. The quarter-final gate put us back pretty much where we wanted to be.
"And, though banqueting income is down a little, we've cut some costs, so we're doing OK there.
"Look, I'm not saying we can suddenly find another £200,000 - the climate isn't like that at the moment - but if Ashley says 'Look, I'd really like these players, we'll try very, very hard to find a way to do it."

Five points:

- In 2008 players wages, even if you include National Insurance were 1,174,000. The salary cap is 1,800,000. So "we're probably only £150-200,000 under the salary cap" is intriguing, for want of a better word.

- "or do we want to bring in mercenaries". I really wish we - and especially Mr Povey - would stop talking like that. Mercenaries is a ridiculous, perjorative word to use about professional cricketers and, if that's how we see players from outside, its no wonder Mr Povey's reign had seen unparallelled failure in the "transfer market". Our CE might also reflect that one definition of a mercenary is a person hired from outside to do a specific job for money. He was hired to sort out the development and I believe he gets paid for it but Im sure he doesnt feel he is a mercenary. Drop the M word plz.

- "I thought we were in a 'grow your own' mode" sounds snitty and vaguely petulant to me.

- "The issue is more about identifying suitable talent. Clearly we need to replace the runs that Trott and Bell would be scoring for us, which is about 2,500 a season. Finding a couple of people to do that is very difficult and simply throwing money at the problem isn't the answer. It's more about finding quality resources and players". Either Mr Povey has suddenly started talking Croatian or senility is finally setting in at my end - but Ive no idea what this impressive soundite really means.

- If we cant find 200k, we cant find a couple of quality players at todays rates. Simples.]]>

"Responding to Giles's plea for more investment in the side, Colin Povey, the club's chief executive, confirmed that funding a successful cricket team remains Warwickshire's priority.
After eight losses in 11 championship games, Warwickshire are bottom of the championship table and were recently knocked out of the T20 competition at the quarter-final stage. Their batting has been consistently brittle all season and it has become clear that new recruits are required. It looks as if the club have already missed out on their first target, Eoin Morgan, but other quality batsmen, such as Ravi Bopara, remain on the radar.
"We've always prioritised investment into cricket," Povey said. "The reason we've embarked on the ground redevelopment is, ultimately, so we can fund more investment into out cricket.
"We actually can't spend that much more. We're probably only £150-200,000 under the salary cap, so there isn't that much margin. There really aren't many clubs spending more than us.
"The issue is more about identifying suitable talent. Clearly we need to replace the runs that Trott and Bell would be scoring for us, which is about 2,500 a season. Finding a couple of people to do that is very difficult and simply throwing money at the problem isn't the answer. It's more about finding quality resources and players. But yes, if we look down the squad and we're honest, we do seem to be short of the players who can step in for Trott and Bell at the moment.
"We've lost some quality players over recent years: Wagh, Moeen Ali, Knight and Loudon, for example. And, when you combine that with international calls [Warwickshire have been without Trott, Bell, Woakes, Rankin, Ateeq Javid and Paul Best due to international calls this season], it can make things tough.
"The other question is: are we a club that believes in developing our own talent; or do we want to bring in mercenaries. I thought we were in a 'grow your own' mode, but if Ash says he has two or three players he really wants to bring in, we'll try damn hard to find the money for him."
Money is tight, however. The club is struggling to meet any of its commercial targets at present with membership marginally down, ticket sales for the domestic T20 and the neutral T20Is between Pakistan and Australia also below target and ticket sales for the Test against Pakistan sluggish.
"Ticket sales for the Test are very important to us," Povey said. "We're a bit below where we'd like to be and, if we don't sell aggressively in the next week or so, there's no way of making up that money.
"We did take slightly more money from T20 tickets, but clearly we had to stage extra games so the costs outdid the benefits. The quarter-final gate put us back pretty much where we wanted to be.
"And, though banqueting income is down a little, we've cut some costs, so we're doing OK there.
"Look, I'm not saying we can suddenly find another £200,000 - the climate isn't like that at the moment - but if Ashley says 'Look, I'd really like these players, we'll try very, very hard to find a way to do it."

Five points:

- In 2008 players wages, even if you include National Insurance were 1,174,000. The salary cap is 1,800,000. So "we're probably only £150-200,000 under the salary cap" is intriguing, for want of a better word.

- "or do we want to bring in mercenaries". I really wish we - and especially Mr Povey - would stop talking like that. Mercenaries is a ridiculous, perjorative word to use about professional cricketers and, if that's how we see players from outside, its no wonder Mr Povey's reign had seen unparallelled failure in the "transfer market". Our CE might also reflect that one definition of a mercenary is a person hired from outside to do a specific job for money. He was hired to sort out the development and I believe he gets paid for it but Im sure he doesnt feel he is a mercenary. Drop the M word plz.

- "I thought we were in a 'grow your own' mode" sounds snitty and vaguely petulant to me.

- "The issue is more about identifying suitable talent. Clearly we need to replace the runs that Trott and Bell would be scoring for us, which is about 2,500 a season. Finding a couple of people to do that is very difficult and simply throwing money at the problem isn't the answer. It's more about finding quality resources and players". Either Mr Povey has suddenly started talking Croatian or senility is finally setting in at my end - but Ive no idea what this impressive soundite really means.

- If we cant find 200k, we cant find a couple of quality players at todays rates. Simples.]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1930 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:28 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1930
Now Neil has been a tremendous servant to Warwickshire - no more so than than this year when he has already had his best run scoring season and is likely to have his best wicket taking season as well. But he is 35 with a history of knee problems and, while he will 100% get a contact extension this year, 2013 remains a longish way away.

Now Im not saying he is any more deserving of a benefit than Ian or Jim(for example, its not Ian's fault hes so good that we dont see him). What I am saying is that Neil epitomises what the benefit system is all about so it would be a great shame if his relatively late start with us deprives him of the chance of a benefit.

There's all sorts of rules and regs re benefits so this may be pie in the sky but Im wondering if it is beyond the ability of the powers that be to tweak the system a little so that Neil jumps the queue and gets what he deserves?

As a first step - its not a petition or anything - do people agree or not?]]>
Now Neil has been a tremendous servant to Warwickshire - no more so than than this year when he has already had his best run scoring season and is likely to have his best wicket taking season as well. But he is 35 with a history of knee problems and, while he will 100% get a contact extension this year, 2013 remains a longish way away.

Now Im not saying he is any more deserving of a benefit than Ian or Jim(for example, its not Ian's fault hes so good that we dont see him). What I am saying is that Neil epitomises what the benefit system is all about so it would be a great shame if his relatively late start with us deprives him of the chance of a benefit.

There's all sorts of rules and regs re benefits so this may be pie in the sky but Im wondering if it is beyond the ability of the powers that be to tweak the system a little so that Neil jumps the queue and gets what he deserves?

As a first step - its not a petition or anything - do people agree or not?]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1929 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:28:05 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1929 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket...itter.html

Not sure, if you are an England under 19 player called Azeem , that twittering about the England under 19 coach under AZ33M is the best disguise ever.]]> http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket...itter.html

Not sure, if you are an England under 19 player called Azeem , that twittering about the England under 19 coach under AZ33M is the best disguise ever.]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1928 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:33:10 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1928
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/fds/...recard.stm]]>
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/fds/...recard.stm]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1925 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:45:57 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1925 for new financial director.......]]> for new financial director.......]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1923 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:17:06 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1923 I wonder if Sweatysock can throw any light on this:
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/66343,news...-middlesex
I think the key may be that they were drinking pints at the time and watching Monty bat, both of which can do strange things to the imagination.
For sure, you don't expect to go to watch Sussex and end up finding out the secrets of the solar system.]]> I wonder if Sweatysock can throw any light on this:
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/66343,news...-middlesex
I think the key may be that they were drinking pints at the time and watching Monty bat, both of which can do strange things to the imagination.
For sure, you don't expect to go to watch Sussex and end up finding out the secrets of the solar system.]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1922 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:47:47 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1922
is it that, with the weather not having been as hot as it was a couple of months ago, the pitches aren't giving him the extra bounce? seems to me Imran's one of those who gets you with more bounce than he does with lateral spin. it seems to me the damper pitches that resemble puddings don't suit Imran nearly as well.

on a related note, its exactly the kind of conditions that tend to suit piolet so I hope he is playing.]]>
is it that, with the weather not having been as hot as it was a couple of months ago, the pitches aren't giving him the extra bounce? seems to me Imran's one of those who gets you with more bounce than he does with lateral spin. it seems to me the damper pitches that resemble puddings don't suit Imran nearly as well.

on a related note, its exactly the kind of conditions that tend to suit piolet so I hope he is playing.]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1918 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:41:53 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1918
]]>
]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1917 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:19:57 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1917 Not too many positive stories around at the moment but here's one from India and Australia that has a happy ending:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sport...214591.cms]]> Not too many positive stories around at the moment but here's one from India and Australia that has a happy ending:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sport...214591.cms]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1916 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:18:23 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1916
The club does not wish to limit or hide from any critical comments or opinions; in fact it is quite the opposite and feedback is actively encouraged. However, it is strongly believed that the nature of some of the discussion is inappropriate for the official club site - where comments are perceived as ‘officially’ endorsed and are often defamatory. The club has no desire to censor comments or correct factual errors, therefore, in keeping with most professional sports bodies; it has been decided that the club website is not the correct place to site a fans forum."

So they join us and Lancashire in giving forums the heave-ho.

Sensible - or another example of county cricket losing engagement with its supporters?]]>
The club does not wish to limit or hide from any critical comments or opinions; in fact it is quite the opposite and feedback is actively encouraged. However, it is strongly believed that the nature of some of the discussion is inappropriate for the official club site - where comments are perceived as ‘officially’ endorsed and are often defamatory. The club has no desire to censor comments or correct factual errors, therefore, in keeping with most professional sports bodies; it has been decided that the club website is not the correct place to site a fans forum."

So they join us and Lancashire in giving forums the heave-ho.

Sensible - or another example of county cricket losing engagement with its supporters?]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1914 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:04:32 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1914 sounds more appealing than the IPL.
cue DD]]> sounds more appealing than the IPL.
cue DD]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1913 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:59:55 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1913 http://www.cricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-indi...68605.html]]> http://www.cricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-indi...68605.html]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1912 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:58:11 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1912 What is your view on Ian Westwood at this stage of the season? It seems to me that his confidence is absolutely shot and he needs replacing in the Championship with immediate effect (with Clarke as stand-in captain). Do you agree?]]> What is your view on Ian Westwood at this stage of the season? It seems to me that his confidence is absolutely shot and he needs replacing in the Championship with immediate effect (with Clarke as stand-in captain). Do you agree?]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1910 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:38:43 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1910

Will anyone over take him, if so who do you think?

That young seamer for Pakistan who takes 5fers against the likes of Australia at the age of about 19 has what it takes.

A year ago I may have thought Mendis, but he is no good any more. .]]>

Will anyone over take him, if so who do you think?

That young seamer for Pakistan who takes 5fers against the likes of Australia at the age of about 19 has what it takes.

A year ago I may have thought Mendis, but he is no good any more. .]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1908 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:19:30 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1908
These are worrying times for Ashley Giles.
Warwickshire's director of cricket assumed control at Edgbaston at the end of 2007 in a spirit of hope and expectation.
Now, however, after nearly three years in the job, his Warwickshire team is almost back where it started. On the brink of championship relegation, they face another season of division two cricket and another round of recruitment.
Wait a minute, I hear you say, they're a much improved limited-overs side. And there's some truth in that. Warwickshire have an excellent record in the shorter formats this season and have already earned a quarter-final place in the T20 (they play Hampshire at Edgbaston from 4.40pm on Monday July 26; tickets start at just £1 for kids and £10 for adults. Call 0844 635 1902 for details). They are well-placed to progress in the 40-over competition, too.
But the uncomfortable truth is that Mark Greatbatch was sacked after a season in which he led Warwickshire to the semi-final of the Friends Provident Trophy. Limited-overs success does not fully compensate for first-class failure.
"We know we're looking down the barrel," Giles admits. "And we know we need to do something special now.
"I still believe we can get out of this situation. We have to play Essex twice, which will be crucial, and I think we're seeing signs of a bit more fight in the side.
"But yes, it would be a huge disappointment if we're relegated. And it would show us the areas we need to improve.
"We're not a bad side, but the figures tell their own story. We need to strengthen. And the one area where we're really struggled is out batting. It's just not been good enough in the championship.
"I could make excuses. I could say that we've missed Trott and Bell - the pair of them scored 2,000 first-class runs for us last year - and I could say we missed Chopra just when he was beginning to show good signs.
"But we knew all along that Bell and Trott might not be around. I thought that the other guys would step up and cover for them. In retrospect, that was probably a mistake. I suppose that has been the big disappointment: that so few of the younger guys have taken their opportunity. We have a good Academy, but we'll have to have a look at why there aren't more good young batsmen coming through.
"Why are we so good in limited-overs cricket and so disappointing in the championship? I wish I knew. If it was obvious, we'd put it right.
"Maybe the batsmen play with more freedom in limited-overs cricket. And maybe they became spoiled by playing on so many featherbeds at Edgbaston over recent seasons. The rules over the use of the heavy roller [it can no longer be used after the start of championship games] have made a big difference, too. Batting is much more difficult.
"And the margins are small. We could easily have won the first game of the season, against Yorkshire, and had we done so we'd have had some momentum. As it is, we've lost a bit of confidence in four-day cricket. I hope some of the good things we're doing in the shorter game can feed into our championship form."
One of the few positives of this season has been the form of Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner has claimed 47 championship wickets - more than anyone else in the country - and proved almost as effective in the limited-overs team. But it appears there's little chance of him returning to Edgbaston next year.
"There's slim chance of us keeping hold of him," Giles admits. "I'd love to, but he has a contract with Hampshire already so that's the end of it.
"It's fairly easy to find a decent overseas batsman, but it's been great to have a spinner like Imran. It may be that we can have a look at some of those who have recently retired from international cricket."
And what of Tim Ambrose? Warwickshire's first choice keeper is also out of contract and attracting interest from elsewhere. Have Warwickshire instigated new contract talks?
"The ball's in his court," says Giles. "We've had a chat and said we'll talk when he's ready. He hasn't said he's ready yet."
Warwickshire have also made moves for Michael Dighton (Australian born but the holder of a British passport) and Eoin Morgan. As Giles explains, Warwickshire probably require two new batsmen.
"I never ruled out signing a 'Kolpak' registration [or similar]," Giles says. "And it may be that we need a figure to fill the role that Benkenstain has at Durham: an experienced, hard professional. I've not given up on signing Dighton and I'm allowed to speak to Morgan in the next couple of days.
"We'll probably not go after any seamers. We're always interested in quality players, but seam bowling is an area where we're pretty well covered. We can probably use the money better."
The issue of money is likely to become increasingly relevant at Edgbaston. While Giles is tight-lipped on the subject, it is understood that Warwickshire's salary bill is now over £500,000 less a season than Surrey's. And Surrey are also after Morgan. In the long-term, if they really want to compete, Warwickshire are going to have to invest in the team as well as the ground. The current squad have, I fear, been found wanting.
"If it just comes down to money then no, we may not be able to match Surrey," Giles admits. "But there's a lot more to it than just waving the cheque book."
So how is Giles himself holding up? "I feel the pressure, he admits. "It's a big club and people expect success.
"But I also feel supported. The club management back me and, though I receive some critical calls and emails, generally the supporters here are fantastic.
"Of course there are mornings when I think I'd like to pack it in. But doesn't everyone feel like that sometimes? I live every ball and that hasn't been easy this summer. But yes, I still feel we're making progress and I'm still very keen to get on with the job."]]>
These are worrying times for Ashley Giles.
Warwickshire's director of cricket assumed control at Edgbaston at the end of 2007 in a spirit of hope and expectation.
Now, however, after nearly three years in the job, his Warwickshire team is almost back where it started. On the brink of championship relegation, they face another season of division two cricket and another round of recruitment.
Wait a minute, I hear you say, they're a much improved limited-overs side. And there's some truth in that. Warwickshire have an excellent record in the shorter formats this season and have already earned a quarter-final place in the T20 (they play Hampshire at Edgbaston from 4.40pm on Monday July 26; tickets start at just £1 for kids and £10 for adults. Call 0844 635 1902 for details). They are well-placed to progress in the 40-over competition, too.
But the uncomfortable truth is that Mark Greatbatch was sacked after a season in which he led Warwickshire to the semi-final of the Friends Provident Trophy. Limited-overs success does not fully compensate for first-class failure.
"We know we're looking down the barrel," Giles admits. "And we know we need to do something special now.
"I still believe we can get out of this situation. We have to play Essex twice, which will be crucial, and I think we're seeing signs of a bit more fight in the side.
"But yes, it would be a huge disappointment if we're relegated. And it would show us the areas we need to improve.
"We're not a bad side, but the figures tell their own story. We need to strengthen. And the one area where we're really struggled is out batting. It's just not been good enough in the championship.
"I could make excuses. I could say that we've missed Trott and Bell - the pair of them scored 2,000 first-class runs for us last year - and I could say we missed Chopra just when he was beginning to show good signs.
"But we knew all along that Bell and Trott might not be around. I thought that the other guys would step up and cover for them. In retrospect, that was probably a mistake. I suppose that has been the big disappointment: that so few of the younger guys have taken their opportunity. We have a good Academy, but we'll have to have a look at why there aren't more good young batsmen coming through.
"Why are we so good in limited-overs cricket and so disappointing in the championship? I wish I knew. If it was obvious, we'd put it right.
"Maybe the batsmen play with more freedom in limited-overs cricket. And maybe they became spoiled by playing on so many featherbeds at Edgbaston over recent seasons. The rules over the use of the heavy roller [it can no longer be used after the start of championship games] have made a big difference, too. Batting is much more difficult.
"And the margins are small. We could easily have won the first game of the season, against Yorkshire, and had we done so we'd have had some momentum. As it is, we've lost a bit of confidence in four-day cricket. I hope some of the good things we're doing in the shorter game can feed into our championship form."
One of the few positives of this season has been the form of Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner has claimed 47 championship wickets - more than anyone else in the country - and proved almost as effective in the limited-overs team. But it appears there's little chance of him returning to Edgbaston next year.
"There's slim chance of us keeping hold of him," Giles admits. "I'd love to, but he has a contract with Hampshire already so that's the end of it.
"It's fairly easy to find a decent overseas batsman, but it's been great to have a spinner like Imran. It may be that we can have a look at some of those who have recently retired from international cricket."
And what of Tim Ambrose? Warwickshire's first choice keeper is also out of contract and attracting interest from elsewhere. Have Warwickshire instigated new contract talks?
"The ball's in his court," says Giles. "We've had a chat and said we'll talk when he's ready. He hasn't said he's ready yet."
Warwickshire have also made moves for Michael Dighton (Australian born but the holder of a British passport) and Eoin Morgan. As Giles explains, Warwickshire probably require two new batsmen.
"I never ruled out signing a 'Kolpak' registration [or similar]," Giles says. "And it may be that we need a figure to fill the role that Benkenstain has at Durham: an experienced, hard professional. I've not given up on signing Dighton and I'm allowed to speak to Morgan in the next couple of days.
"We'll probably not go after any seamers. We're always interested in quality players, but seam bowling is an area where we're pretty well covered. We can probably use the money better."
The issue of money is likely to become increasingly relevant at Edgbaston. While Giles is tight-lipped on the subject, it is understood that Warwickshire's salary bill is now over £500,000 less a season than Surrey's. And Surrey are also after Morgan. In the long-term, if they really want to compete, Warwickshire are going to have to invest in the team as well as the ground. The current squad have, I fear, been found wanting.
"If it just comes down to money then no, we may not be able to match Surrey," Giles admits. "But there's a lot more to it than just waving the cheque book."
So how is Giles himself holding up? "I feel the pressure, he admits. "It's a big club and people expect success.
"But I also feel supported. The club management back me and, though I receive some critical calls and emails, generally the supporters here are fantastic.
"Of course there are mornings when I think I'd like to pack it in. But doesn't everyone feel like that sometimes? I live every ball and that hasn't been easy this summer. But yes, I still feel we're making progress and I'm still very keen to get on with the job."]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1907 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:50:37 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1907 I wonder what Mr. Westwood might make of this?
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/83...ikini-tops]]> I wonder what Mr. Westwood might make of this?
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/83...ikini-tops]]> http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1906 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:47:13 +0100 http://www.bearsfans.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1906
I was chatting about Woakes the other day so its as good a place to start as any. despite having been an England lions/ A team regular last year it seems that Woakes has been superceded by Shahzad and Finn. personally i am not sure if Woakes has quite enough bite/pace/bounce to be picked outside of England. i wonder if he's a classic english conditions bowler. seeing him get a little bit of treatment vs India A at New Road gave me cause to wonder this; also, it seems to me he gets more CC wickets early in the year with a bit of green on the wickets, and less so later in the year when the tracks even out a bit. I do like that he is starting to have more success with his slower ball, which he is starting to get quite a lot of his T20 wickets with. and you have to both (a) love his late-order hitting when he gets a chance and (b) wonder why we don't fling him on further up the order in the t20's. but that's by the by. ultimately i hope that Woakes' gradual improvement will end up being WCCC's gain; he could end up one of, or the, premier allrounders in county cricket, if indeed the likes of Finn and Shahzad have leapfrogged him in the international teams; and if the England team is good enough not to pick Woakes, as an England fan that'd make me pretty happy with our strength in depth. watching the Lions recently was what made me think there's good depth in english cricket at the moment.

Shahzad, on that note, has really really impressed me thus far. he has a lot of dynamism to his action, tremendous explosiveness in his delivery stride, reminds me just a tad of Waqar, well just a tad.

anyways a few more young players have caught my eye this year, particularly

Stephen Davies, lovely batsman to watch: to me he is a superior batsman, technically and potentially, to both Kieswetter and Pryor, and I would like to see him in the full England ODI squads.

Adam Lyth strikes me as having a touch of the Trescothicks to him, plays the ball late without much footwork but compensating with very good natural timing.

bowling-wise, I like the look of both the young Yorkie spinners; was particularly impressed when I saw Rashid getting a wicket with a very good off-break, good variety in a bowler so young. the idea of a genuine legspinning allrounder for England has me weak at the knees, and Rashid's batting seems like he could ultimately make a creditable Test no7.

James Taylor at Leicester may be the quickest bloody thing I've ever seen in the field, and that includes intruding pigeons and dogs; tends to bat in patches not unlike our Jim, he'll either look cramped and lacking confidence to play shots, or he'll be hoying it about peppering the boundaries for fun. i wonder if he'll end up playing ODI's for England simply because as a fielder he saves runs just by being there; India A were simply refusing to take a second run if the ball was anywhere near Taylor he had intimidated them so much with his speed and throwing.

Alex Wakeley at Northants has also impressed me with his batting, and as an overall cricketer.

so guys who has impressed you this year, who do you think are the next generation of England players, and is the future healthy for England? i like to think it is.....]]>
I was chatting about Woakes the other day so its as good a place to start as any. despite having been an England lions/ A team regular last year it seems that Woakes has been superceded by Shahzad and Finn. personally i am not sure if Woakes has quite enough bite/pace/bounce to be picked outside of England. i wonder if he's a classic english conditions bowler. seeing him get a little bit of treatment vs India A at New Road gave me cause to wonder this; also, it seems to me he gets more CC wickets early in the year with a bit of green on the wickets, and less so later in the year when the tracks even out a bit. I do like that he is starting to have more success with his slower ball, which he is starting to get quite a lot of his T20 wickets with. and you have to both (a) love his late-order hitting when he gets a chance and (b) wonder why we don't fling him on further up the order in the t20's. but that's by the by. ultimately i hope that Woakes' gradual improvement will end up being WCCC's gain; he could end up one of, or the, premier allrounders in county cricket, if indeed the likes of Finn and Shahzad have leapfrogged him in the international teams; and if the England team is good enough not to pick Woakes, as an England fan that'd make me pretty happy with our strength in depth. watching the Lions recently was what made me think there's good depth in english cricket at the moment.

Shahzad, on that note, has really really impressed me thus far. he has a lot of dynamism to his action, tremendous explosiveness in his delivery stride, reminds me just a tad of Waqar, well just a tad.

anyways a few more young players have caught my eye this year, particularly

Stephen Davies, lovely batsman to watch: to me he is a superior batsman, technically and potentially, to both Kieswetter and Pryor, and I would like to see him in the full England ODI squads.

Adam Lyth strikes me as having a touch of the Trescothicks to him, plays the ball late without much footwork but compensating with very good natural timing.

bowling-wise, I like the look of both the young Yorkie spinners; was particularly impressed when I saw Rashid getting a wicket with a very good off-break, good variety in a bowler so young. the idea of a genuine legspinning allrounder for England has me weak at the knees, and Rashid's batting seems like he could ultimately make a creditable Test no7.

James Taylor at Leicester may be the quickest bloody thing I've ever seen in the field, and that includes intruding pigeons and dogs; tends to bat in patches not unlike our Jim, he'll either look cramped and lacking confidence to play shots, or he'll be hoying it about peppering the boundaries for fun. i wonder if he'll end up playing ODI's for England simply because as a fielder he saves runs just by being there; India A were simply refusing to take a second run if the ball was anywhere near Taylor he had intimidated them so much with his speed and throwing.

Alex Wakeley at Northants has also impressed me with his batting, and as an overall cricketer.

so guys who has impressed you this year, who do you think are the next generation of England players, and is the future healthy for England? i like to think it is.....]]>