Who's Sorry Now: Down by the Riverside

[Durhamfootman]

Totally agree with this. Any word on other new arrivals? Surely we need another strike bowler and another batsman, given Burnham's absence? Much though I've always liked Gidman, he doesn't really fill either of those roles in my opinion.

I agree. There was a time when I was very hopeful that he'd go on to become a genuine all rounder for us, but for some reason we didn't play him enough and I wasn't surprised when he moved on. I've noticed nothing in the years since he left that suggests he is anywhere near the player he once promised to be. Then again, who knows? I'm often wrong about these things. If he comes cheap, then what would be the harm of finding out? We clearly have money to sign players now, albeit in frugal fashion

[KingOttis]

Totally agree with this. Any word on other new arrivals? Surely we need another strike bowler and another batsman, given Burnham's absence? Much though I've always liked Gidman, he doesn't really fill either of those roles in my opinion.

I agree. There was a time when I was very hopeful that he'd go on to become a genuine all rounder for us, but for some reason we didn't play him enough and I wasn't surprised when he moved on. I've noticed nothing in the years since he left that suggests he is anywhere near the player he once promised to be. Then again, who knows? I'm often wrong about these things. If he comes cheap, then what would be the harm of finding out? We clearly have money to sign players now, albeit in frugal fashion

I know what you mean, and ordinarily, I'd have him in the squad like a shot and see what he could do. my only reservation is that we need players in other areas more urgently, and do we have the funds to bring in multiple players? If we could bring in a good strike bowler, a batsman, and Gidman as well, then I'd be pretty confident for next season, given the players we have already. Unfortunately, the recruitment policy of recent years tends to leave everyone fearing the worst.

[captaincolly]

Totally agree with this. Any word on other new arrivals? Surely we need another strike bowler and another batsman, given Burnham's absence? Much though I've always liked Gidman, he doesn't really fill either of those roles in my opinion.

I agree. There was a time when I was very hopeful that he'd go on to become a genuine all rounder for us, but for some reason we didn't play him enough and I wasn't surprised when he moved on. I've noticed nothing in the years since he left that suggests he is anywhere near the player he once promised to be. Then again, who knows? I'm often wrong about these things. If he comes cheap, then what would be the harm of finding out? We clearly have money to sign players now, albeit in frugal fashion

I know what you mean, and ordinarily, I'd have him in the squad like a shot and see what he could do. my only reservation is that we need players in other areas more urgently, and do we have the funds to bring in multiple players? If we could bring in a good strike bowler, a batsman, and Gidman as well, then I'd be pretty confident for next season, given the players we have already. Unfortunately, the recruitment policy of recent years tends to leave everyone fearing the worst.

I think - despite the ECB imposing a unique salary cap on Durham - all of the high profile departures will mean that we do have scope to spend a fair amount on new signings. Ideally a couple of top class players would come in but I agree with westoelad that we probably won't be able to persuade any a-list types to come even if we have the money available.
I know DFM will disagree with me here but I'd be happy if we could get Stephen Cook as a Kolpak.

Interesting interview with Colly in the Mail on Sunday. He says that during pre-season this year he had decided to retire at the end of the season but started to reconsider after he played the match winning innings at Trent Bridge in the one day game. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricke ... Ashes.html

[Durhamfootman]

I know DFM will disagree with me here but I'd be happy if we could get Stephen Cook as a Kolpak.

[Durhamfootman]

although... he'd have had one unsuccessful season, so presumably would be able to work out where he needs to do more work in order to succeed a second time

[westoelad]

Who needs Stephen Cook when we've signed Michael Anthony Jones apparently!
Who?
He's a 19 year old from Ormskirk. As well as scoring 179* for Scotland A v Durham II's he's been doing the 2nd XI circuit scoring freely for Durham,Derby and Leics averaging about 50.Sounds promising!
But ssh! It's obviously a Durham secret.

[captaincolly]

Who needs Stephen Cook when we've signed Michael Anthony Jones apparently!
Who?
He's a 19 year old from Ormskirk. As well as scoring 179* for Scotland A v Durham II's he's been doing the 2nd XI circuit scoring freely for Durham,Derby and Leics averaging about 50.Sounds promising!
But ssh! It's obviously a Durham secret.

Interesting. Had not heard of him.

He does sound promising but - without wanting to be overly negative - it's another strange signing for me. We seem intent on replacing cricketers with proven FC records( in some cases outstanding records) with either journeymen or complete novices. It might work but I have my doubts-as of now the squad seems ideally suited to division 2!

[westoelad]

Who needs Stephen Cook when we've signed Michael Anthony Jones apparently!
Who?
He's a 19 year old from Ormskirk. As well as scoring 179* for Scotland A v Durham II's he's been doing the 2nd XI circuit scoring freely for Durham,Derby and Leics averaging about 50.Sounds promising!
But ssh! It's obviously a Durham secret.

Interesting. Had not heard of him.

He does sound promising but - without wanting to be overly negative - it's another strange signing for me. We seem intent on replacing cricketers with proven FC records( in some cases outstanding records) with either journeymen or complete novices. It might work but I have my doubts-as of now the squad seems ideally suited to division 2!

I'm afraid that's the category we have to deal with-we can't compete either financially or geographically for the marquee signings. Not so sure if I would want us to.
Team spirit is all important and we know Smith is a top man in that category and so sounds Rimmington whilst Jones certainly appears promising.
Wouldn't say no to a Joffra Archer though if we can find another one. Hawway Breesey-use your contacts

[captaincolly]

Who needs Stephen Cook when we've signed Michael Anthony Jones apparently!
Who?
He's a 19 year old from Ormskirk. As well as scoring 179* for Scotland A v Durham II's he's been doing the 2nd XI circuit scoring freely for Durham,Derby and Leics averaging about 50.Sounds promising!
But ssh! It's obviously a Durham secret.

Interesting. Had not heard of him.

He does sound promising but - without wanting to be overly negative - it's another strange signing for me. We seem intent on replacing cricketers with proven FC records( in some cases outstanding records) with either journeymen or complete novices. It might work but I have my doubts-as of now the squad seems ideally suited to division 2!

I'm afraid that's the category we have to deal with-we can't compete either financially or geographically for the marquee signings. Not so sure if I would want us to.
Team spirit is all important and we know Smith is a top man in that category and so sounds Rimmington whilst Jones certainly appears promising.
Wouldn't say no to a Joffra Archer though if we can find another one. Hawway Breesey-use your contacts

A very good idea!

[Durhamfootman]

Hawway Breesey-use your contacts

Chris Gayle might promise to play 3 T20 matches for us, but only if we can guarantee that he doesn't have to run... at all..... ever!

[captaincolly]

Hawway Breesey-use your contacts

Chris Gayle might promise to play 3 T20 matches for us, but only if we can guarantee that he doesn't have to run... at all..... ever!

[Durhamfootman]

he'd never come here.... Colly would probably stand over him in the gym to make sure he did all his circuits correctly, with the gusto and enjoyment consistent with a professional athlete

[westoelad]

he'd never come here.... Colly would probably stand over him in the gym to make sure he did all his circuits correctly, with the gusto and enjoyment consistent with a professional athlete

Tell him about the scantily clad females on offer in the Bigg
Market and he'd be here like a shot.

[captaincolly]

he'd never come here.... Colly would probably stand over him in the gym to make sure he did all his circuits correctly, with the gusto and enjoyment consistent with a professional athlete

Tell him about the scantily clad females on offer in the Bigg
Market and he'd be here like a shot.

he'd never come here.... Colly would probably stand over him in the gym to make sure he did all his circuits correctly, with the gusto and enjoyment consistent with a professional athlete

Yep! Can not imagine Gayle and Colly as kindred spirits when it comes to fitness training ...or anything else.

he'd never come here.... Colly would probably stand over him in the gym to make sure he did all his circuits correctly, with the gusto and enjoyment consistent with a professional athlete

Tell him about the scantily clad females on offer in the Bigg
Market and he'd be here like a shot.

He'd end up in court within days!

[captaincolly]

I see the batsman who scored 88 in the 2 day Ashes warmup game has a Durham connection.

Josh Philippe, a 20-year-old who has played for Durham’s seconds while playing club cricket in Newcastle, had given England a mighty fright in the morning session, which brought just one wicket and 124 runs in 25 overs, as the seamers lacked both line and length. Philippe feasted, especially on the drive, until his greed saw him stumped in the over after lunch for 88 trying to hit Ma