Sussex skipper Chris Adams today pledged: "I will get things right for our magnificent supporters."

Adams says he has been inundated with messages of support since he revealed in the Argus a fortnight ago that he expected to be sacked at the end of next season if performances didn't improve.

Sussex face the prospect of playing second division cricket in both competitions in 2001 after finishing bottom of both divisions.

"What I said was not a threat but a statement of fact, I would not expect to carry on as captain if we did as badly next year," said Adams.

"But since then I have had so many messages of support from members and I am really thankful for that, to be honest it surprised me a little bit.

"They feel positive about next season and so do I. I've had a few weeks to reflect since the end of the season, something you don't get during the summer, and I'm convinced we can turn things around.

"The backing I've had has made me even more determined to get things right for our magnificent supporters."

Adams, coach Peter Moores, chief executive Dave Gilbert and chairman Don Trangmar have already had several meetings since the season ended in an effort to find out what went wrong and to ensure each individual's roles are more clearly defined.

"I like to think the people we have in those four important positions are the best in their jobs. All we are interested in is what's best for the team and we are all very positive about next season," added Adams.

Sussex's rebuilding has already started with the signing of Zimbabwean Test batsman Murray Goodwin as replacement for Michael Bevan and off-spinner Mark Davis.

And Adams hopes the county will bring in one more experienced batsman before the start of the new season.

"Murray and Mark are both very positive signings," he said. "Murray is going to be available all the time which is a real bonus and he is a proven performer who badly wants to do well in county cricket.

"We know what we need and hopefully the supporters will have some more positive news before too long."

The 2001 season will start two weeks later than this year with the opening Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road on April 25.

Sussex then embark on their Benson and Hedges Cup campaign with home ties against Essex, Middlesex and Kent and trips to Surrey and Hampshire before the opening home Cham-pionship match against Notts at Hove from May 9-12.