Football managers are fond of saying you're only as good as your last result.
And because we finished last season so poorly I can understand why quite a few people are pessimistic about our chances this summer.
After all, we went from top to bottom in the Championship in six weeks and also lost our place in the first division of the National League. It was very disappointing to all concerned, but the inquests are now over and it's time to look ahead. And I think there is a lot for everyone connected with Sussex to look forward too.
As captain, I'm certainly far happier at the start of this season than I was 12 months ago. You might find that hard to believe, especially as we will be without our star batsman, Michael Bevan, this summer. But I genuinely feel there is a much better balance to the squad, there is more depth in the batting and more options among our bowlers.
There will also be opportunities for some of our young batsmen to establish themselves. If I am being brutally honest, the only consistent batsmen we have had since I came to the club in 1998 have been myself and our overseas player. We have seen some good innings from others, but not on a consistent basis.
We had an opportunity to sign an experienced batsman during the winter, but the club chose not to and preferred instead to back the youth at Sussex instead. For three or four of them that chance has come and it's an exciting time, not only for them but for myself, Peter Moores and Dave Gilbert when it comes to selecting the team. Guys like Jamie Carpenter, Bas Zuiderent, Will House and Michael Yardy have all got talent and did well in pre-season, particularly on the tour to Grenada.
It will be exciting interesting to see which of them come through and prosper. The good thing is that they have all got talent, a desire to succeed and an excellent work ethic.
At the end of the season I want all of our young batsmen to have advanced from where they are at the moment. I'll be devastated if they don't prove themselves, but I'm sure that won't happen. The same applies to our more experienced guys like Tony Cottey and Richard Montgomerie. Both look in excellent form in pre-season which is a good sign that their undoubted ability will translate into consistent performances with the bat this season.
While we didn't sign another batsman during the winter, I think the three new players we have taken onto the staff will certainly improve the balance of the team and give some more depth to our batting. The signing of Matt Prior and Tim Ambrose means we now have three good wicketkeepers on the staff. But we have taken a look at Matt during the pre-season games because we need to find someone who will give us runs as well as keep wicket competently.
Matt has already shown himself to be a more than capable batsman, but he is still only 19 and learning all the time, we must remember that.
I must admit to being slightly sceptical when the club decided to sign Mark Davis. I had heard nothing about him, but having seen him in pre-season I think he is exactly what we are looking for. He's what I call a proper pro - as a batsman he won't fold without a fight while his off-spin means we can now go into games with two top quality spinners, something most successful sides have done over the years.
Obviously we're going to miss Michael Bevan, but I think our new overseas batsman, Murray Goodwin, is going to do well for us. He has a proven record in international cricket and he will see his first season here as a chance to establish a reputation in county cricket. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I would expect Murray to open the innings with me coming in at No3.
Since I came to the club I have batted in various spots, but I would like us to have a settled line-up and that's where I see myself batting. I'm feeling very happy with my own form at the moment after spending the winter in Sydney. I'm hitting the ball well and I feel relaxed.
I'm also feeling very relaxed about our bowling attack. It's a great boost for me as captain to know I can pick from five quality seamers week in, week out. Players hate to be left out, but I hope they understand that if they are it is so that they can rest or recover from the niggling injuries which all bowlers suffer from during the season. Everyone in the squad will contribute to the team effort at some stage and those who do it well will be rewarded at the end of it.
I see most experts have written us off already in their pre-season previews, but I'm not concerned about that. A good start will give everyone's confidence a lift and I'm also keen for us to improve on our form at Hove. We need to make home advantage count more and make sure that we nail sides when they are seven or eight wickets down.
Both divisions are going to be extremely competitive again and we saw last season how quickly you can shoot up the table with some good results. Our aim is obvious - we want promotion in both divisions and I sense a real determination in our squad to achieve those goals.
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