All Pretty Vacant, Down by the Riverside

[Durhamfootman]

don't say Onions

[captaincolly]

If you could sign anybody, Capt, who would you go for?

Hard to think of someone in county cricket who would be available and willing to sign. Might have to take s punt if someone is on the market who has lost their way - Lees or Hameed types.
Not sure how Brexit affects things but imo our best bet might be a Kolpak or two.

[Durhamfootman]

not an overseas player? A McLaren perhaps with no other commitments and capable in all forms of the game

[captaincolly]

not an overseas player? A McLaren perhaps with no other commitments and capable in all forms of the game

That would do. I was ( probably optimistically!) hoping for a couple of signings plus the overseas!
Colly looked in fine fettle today - maybe get him to stay although that's probably unlikely as he seems to miss a lot of games with that achilles problem. Although maybe a new physio would be the best use of resources!

[westoelad]

not an overseas player? A McLaren perhaps with no other commitments and capable in all forms of the game

24 year old Gerrit Snyman is the man. 1st class av. in SAffee of 50, top run scorer and 2nd top leading wicketaker in NEPL this season

[captaincolly]

not an overseas player? A McLaren perhaps with no other commitments and capable in all forms of the game

24 year old Gerrit Snyman is the man. 1st class av. in SAffee of 50, top run scorer and 2nd top leading wicketaker in NEPL this season

He'd do!

[Durhamfootman]

what's the general feeling around the members, with the way the season is going?

[westoelad]

DCCC accounts for 2017 published on club website for those who understand such matters.

[captaincolly]

DCCC accounts for 2017 published on club website for those who understand such matters.

That rules me out I'm afraid!

what's the general feeling around the members, with the way the season is going?

It's a tough one I think because the T20 results have been better than anyone could have imagined but the RL50 was a disaster and the CC is threatening to be - those two dramatic 4 day wins from seemingly impossible positions were obviously great but not sustainable over a season and I think we've been well behind at the half way stage in every game but one ( and iirc that ended in a draw!)

I imagine most prioritise the CC so unless there's a dramatic improvement in that I think the mood will not be good regardless of what happens in the T20 - any team can beat another on their day but I still don't think we are strong enough to do it enough against stronger sides. All bets off though if we reach the knockout stages.

[Durhamfootman]

I suppose my worry is that a good T20 campaign (and it's turning out that way) might be used to mask the deeper problems at the club.

That being said, if T20 crowds are up, then that might persuade the club to invest in proven quality T20 players (like Tahir) in future years, which might in turn help us to be more consistent in that format. More money through the turnstiles might then help us to keep the players we want to keep for the CC, instead of becoming a feeder club for Lancs and Notts.

If I could have anything, I'd like to see us sign an OS who is available for the whole season, in all formats, and isn't dipping in and out all the time with short term signings filling in the gaps, then we could sign the additional T20 specialist (or specialists) to complement the year long OS player

who that one season-long player is, is above my pay grade, sadly

[captaincolly]

I suppose my worry is that a good T20 campaign (and it's turning out that way) might be used to mask the deeper problems at the club.

That being said, if T20 crowds are up, then that might persuade the club to invest in proven quality T20 players (like Tahir) in future years, which might in turn help us to be more consistent in that format. More money through the turnstiles might then help us to keep the players we want to keep for the CC, instead of becoming a feeder club for Lancs and Notts.

If I could have anything, I'd like to see us sign an OS who is available for the whole season, in all formats, and isn't dipping in and out all the time with short term signings filling in the gaps, then we could sign the additional T20 specialist (or specialists) to complement the year long OS player

who that one season-long player is, is above my pay grade, sadly

Agreed. This T20 could well be an exception to the rule - and the evidence in the other formats suggest it is. Somehow need to strengthen the batting for next season and also find at least one strike bowler and that's as well as overseas signing.
Colly's T20 form has been excellent but it's been a real struggle in the other formats. Chances are this will be his last year playing and there's a good chance the wheels will come off unless he moves behind the scenes - must be a good chance he'll get a full time job with England.

As you say though the seemingly improved financial position should help.

[Durhamfootman]

when does Tahir depart?

[captaincolly]

when does Tahir depart?

I can't remember if he has 1 game left or 2. The CPL starts next week I think.

[captaincolly]

when does Tahir depart?

I can't remember if he has 1 game left or 2. The CPL starts next week I think.

Just checked - he signed for 9 games so 2 more to go.

[Durhamfootman]

CPL starts on the 8th, but I don't know when Tahir's first match is