WELCOME TO 2010 AT ANDOVER CC
Twenty 10 (a play on that shorter form of the game!!)...has seem some massive transformation at Andover CC, with changes at the top end of the club with both Brian FUNNELL and Andy HOOPER retiring from the committee and 5 new captains for the League teams this season. Both on and off the field, we are looking to operate more professionally, from changes to training and practice schedules for players to launching of the new club website which will include Player profiles, Availability, Selection and Match reporting.
Having been elected as your new Club Chairman, my aim was to initially build on the great work that has been done over the last 20 years, but also to bring Andover Cricket Club into the 21st Century both operationally and administratively. As such we are scheduling a Players evening in late March to formally introduce the new changes. However, prior to that as a current Member of the Club you will, in the next day or so be receiving your own Personal Login and Password details to the club website. This will enable you to provide valuable information to the club; advising us of your correct contact details and availability. It is this Availability that will be used by the Captains to select teams. Without updating this information it is possible that you may not be included for play on a Saturday afternoon.
It would be much appreciated if you could review the current Profile details that are held for you on the club membership database. Please amend this information to reflect your current circumstances. The attached document should assist you in the early stages, if you have any problems these will be addressed at the players evening.
On the playing front, I am pleased to confirm that I have been in regular communication with your new 1st XI captain for 2010 - Richard TAYLOR (whilst he travels around New Zealand). Richie is keen to ensure that our on-the-field performance is much improved, and that the 1st/2nd team squads have a minimum of 2 training sessions each week (of course players from all teams will be welcomed to these additional sessions).
As you are probably aware we have lost several influential players from 1st XI and 2nd XI, and as such I was asked to look at various new names that we could introduce to the club. I am pleased to confirm that we have 2 definite signings for 2010:-
1) Will PROZESKY – who joins us from Havant (and Purbrook); Will has a history of scoring big against Andover so we thought it would be better to have him on the inside. As you can see from the link below, he currently sits 3rd in the SEPL total run chart (so we are hoping that in 2010 we might be able to help him to the top of the list).
http://www.southernpremierleague.com/statistics-2000-2008/1430-sepcl-combined-divisions-12-a-3-batting-2000-2009-.html
2) James O’GORMAN – is 21 year old from Christchurch New Zealand (currently playing in same Club as Mike ADAMS down under). James joins us in mid April arriving with a Black Caps coaching award and couple of years coaching experience with local High Schools at home. He was also selected as part of the New Zealand U19 training squad. My thanks go out to Dave WEBB for providing accommodation for James during the summer.
At the current time we are also in early conversation with a couple of other exciting names who might be interested in joining the club. Even with new recruits, this should encourage everyone to think that there is a place for them in one of the top two teams, there is still a great deal of competition for selection.
The Selection team are also very keen to get back playing some of the previous club members, to strengthen and a add experience to the ranks. We still believe that there is a lot to be learnt from skills that exist much closer to home. With that in mind if anyone does know of players who would like to join us, please let me know and we can welcome them into the club.
As you will see in the next few weeks much work has been done also on branding for the new season, a new logo, new playing shirts (for Seniors and Juniors) and not forgetting the 2010 Fixtures and Sponsors Card. Hopefully you will see that your interests are being represented well by the new Committee who are wholly committed to taking Andover Cricket Club where we deserve to be at the top in Hampshire at a playing level, supporting members, encouraging new members and continuing to grow and develop our Youth section.
My final comment would be around making sure that we maintain the playing conditions and ambiance of the Pavilion at London Road, so a date for the diary is Sat 27th March, which is scheduled as the Annual “CricketForce” day. As I’m sure you are aware these days are important to the club as we can assist Ken and his Ground team to do some of the important Pre-Season tasks.
Well I think that’s enough for now, I hope you are all enthused for the new season and ready to help your club grow and improve. I’m new to this and need your help to make things better, so please if at any time you have any questions, queries, advice or would just like a chat about the club, please feel free to contact me…hopefully I am approachable to you all; you are all important to us succeeding.
Many thanks,
Paul FUNNELL (Chairman – Andover CC)