Take me to the Riverside 2026

[Durhamfootman]

if not, Burnopfield will have him, I'm sure

[Durhamfootman]

at the same time, I wonder how much money we wasted on the signings of Roach and Olivier, how much we waste on failed overseas players generally and how much that cost influences contract decisions. Our record on overseas bowlers has been terrible in recent years

[captaincolly]

at the same time, I wonder how much money we wasted on the signings of Roach and Olivier, how much we waste on failed overseas players generally and how much that cost influences contract decisions. Our record on overseas bowlers has been terrible in recent years

Definitely. I've lost track of the numbers and there's a habit of signing ageing fast bowlers- with predictable consequences.

[Durhamfootman]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/ ... ls-cricket

complicated

[Durhamfootman]

there is however some good news

Stokes’ priority is understood to be helping Durham challenge to win the County Championship after playing a key part in their promotion from Division Two in the latter half of this summer

Stokes appears unlikely to be available for the IPL either, due to a new rule which stipulates that overseas players who have played in the competition previously must register for the mega-auction that takes place once every three years, or miss the subsequent two mini-auctions.

Stokes did not register for the 2025 IPL mega-auction due to his England commitments so will not be available until 2028,

Durham are sympathetic to Stokes’ position and eager to work with him to help fulfil his franchise ambitions. The club have already discussed offering him a series of short-term contracts covering the beginning and the end of the County Championship so that the 35-year-old would effectively be a free agent during the MLC. Under ECB regulations the shortest permitted contract length is 21 days.

[captaincolly]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/26/ben-stokes-england-clearance-row-overseas-franchise-deals-cricket

complicated

Very! Can't put the genie back in the bottle, or blame players for wanting to take advantage of the opportunities, but these franchise tournaments have caused a lot of damage - and there seem to be about 3 new ones every year!

[KingOttis]

Campbell moving to director of cricket role, so now we need a new head coach. Good to have continuity, but a shame to lose him as coach - I think he's done a good job overall.

[Durhamfootman]

I think so too, KO, but I can also see a need to refresh the head coach role. Too many poor overseas appointments during the last 4 years that Cambo has been in the role, and too many cuddly pre-seasons. I like Cambo, mind, he always fronts up and speaks plainly, and there can be no doubts about his influence in the turnaround this year, but he was, along with North and Bostock, jointly responsible for the catastrophe that was the 2025 season. I think an element of complacency was allowed to creep in that year which has since been expelled following an immediate return to better prep and ruthless cricket.

I wonder who we'll get to replace him as head coach? With all the talk of continuity, it wouldn't surprise me if it ends up being someone already at the club. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope it isn't Benks

[captaincolly]

I hope it's not Benks either! Important to get this appointment right ahead of division one. I wonder if they already have someone in mind. Too early for Borthwick?

[Durhamfootman]

golly, yes. far too early

you're scaring me now

[captaincolly]

golly, yes. far too early

you're scaring me now

Yes! It will be interesting to see who it is. Campbell such an influence and big personality so presumably it needs to be someone of similar stature.

[Durhamfootman]

Darren Lehmann?

[andy]

Feel free to take silver wood

[KingOttis]

golly, yes. far too early

you're scaring me now

Yes! It will be interesting to see who it is. Campbell such an influence and big personality so presumably it needs to be someone of similar stature.

What about Colly?

[andy]

He seems to have completely disappeared from everywhere?