Yorkshire back on front foot
Stewart Regan's postbag is easier to stomach these days - and the Yorkshire chief executive is happy now the club is moving forward after a winter which provided one challenge after another.
He could be forgiven for crowing that he knew all along it would all work out. I'm not 100% sure that's the case but he and the club's board held their nerve and it has paid off.
Just over two months ago many Yorkshire fans thought any win at any stage of the summer would be cause for celebration, but Monday's defeat by Leicestershire in the Friends Provident trophy was the first of the summer in any competition for Darren Gough's side.
The 'winter of discontent' in Leeds saw , Anthony McGrath try to break free of his contract with the club and Michael Lumb leave, along with the outstanding Darren Lehmann.
I for one thought the club had been caught cold and time was running out for everything to be in place and ready for the season but then, in quick succession, as director of professional cricket, and McGrath decided the best place really was home.
Judging whether the Moxon-Gough combination is a success should not be rushed, according to Regan, who says the club is working to a three-year plan.
"At the start, when we recruited them, we said we want to be playing competitive cricket. We wanted to get the dressing room united again.
"Year one is about consolidation and sorting out the problems which existed previously. Year two is putting some growth into place and starting to build. Year three we might be challenging for honours. Anything ahead of that timescale - if we are successful that is a bonus".
How often you hear that in football, for example, and it doesn't mean a thing. In cricket they are usually genuine. Should it be so? Should fans demand instant success?
Quick fix is not what Yorkshire is about, according to Regan. He says during the troubled off-season it would have been very easy to have made hasty and therefore wrong decisions.
"I think the board deserve a lot of credit for sticking with the plan [of trying to get Moxon and Gough on board] and not getting caught in short-term tactical decisions. We wanted to get the right people and it took us months to get them but we think now we have a strong squad."
Regan is aware that change and supposed progress isn't always to everyone's liking.
He told me: "I will probably judge success by the number of complaint letters I get because last year my postbag was full, almost every day. with people writing and complaining over what a mess Yorkshire was in and we had to do something about it.
"I tried to reply to everyone in person and give people re-assurance. In the first few weeks of the season I am delighted to say the complaint letters are almost non existent and we have actually started to get notes of support."
With a relieved and satisfied smile he added: "Let's hope that continues."
What Regan is now hoping is that McGrath can soon find some runs. He describes his decision to stay as a 'key' issue which did did cause him headaches, so desperate were the club to keep him.
"We spent hours trying to persuade Anthony we were moving in the right direction and that he and the rest of the players were the 'jewels in the crown' of this club. It was hard work because he had an agent trying to pull him in another direction and he is one of those guys that once he has made a decision he feels honour bound to stick to it.
"You have to respect him for that. But once had made up his mind to stay I knew the issue's had been bottomed out and we could then start to re-build the club."
was among the best I have ever seen, although it was a flat pitch and the bowlers didn't get much help - the delivery which broke Michael Vaughan's finger notwithstanding.
Like all world-class batsmen, Younis made it look as if he had loads of time to play each ball. Some shots gave the impression he knew where to place the bat before ever the bowler had the ball in his hand. Look away for any period of time and then back up again and Younus had usually scored another 20 or so runs. He did it so gracefully.
His signing is showing an all-round huge benefit as I'm told there was a definite increase in the number of young Asian supporters in the ground during Monday's game with Leicestershire.
Yorkshire have never got it quite right with their signings from the sub-continent before, but now one of the current Pakistan stars is gracing Yorkshire it appears to be drawing new supporters. All the excitement over Adil Rashid should also act as inspiration and interest in the Asian communities of Bradford and beyond.
Regan admitted the signing of a Pakistan player was partly designed to send out a clear message. "Yorkshire want to embrace the Asian community. There is a definite business benefit as well as a cricketing by having the first Pakistan overseas player to play for Yorkshire," he said.
Younis strikes me as a super fellow. The way he punched the air during the match in Southampton and also spends time talking with the rest of the squad proves the research undertaken before making the signing has paid off. Could it be Yorkshire have found another Lehmann?
Geoffrey Boycott, a member of the Yorkshire board, was singled out for praise in picking and recommending Younis. He also played in a hand in by inviting him to his home in South Africa.
That was quite late on in the process but the player met with his approval. His arrival at Leeds was caught up in some acrimony but after two centuries in one week at Headingley, most people are now happy just to talk about his batting and Regan remains convinced the club were right to make the controversial signing.
"We obviously came up against a lot of resistance but we knew we had done it professionally and in the best possible way. We had consulted the ECB and explained the situation and they told us that the regulation relating to whether the player had played in the previous 12 months for his country couldn't be legally enforced. On that basis we said we are going to go ahead and sign him.
"We have taken some stick as a club by doing it but I stand by the fact the decision was right at the time we made it based on the situation Yorkshire found themselves in. The best part of 52 per cent of last season's runs were at risk, with a very inexperienced academy squad to fill the gaps.
"As far as I am now concerned he has made his pledge to the Kolpak ruling and I have no reason to doubt he will stick by that. I look forward to the entertainment he will bring, along with some academy players showing they can do the same in years to come and even better him. The challenge is laid down," said Regan.
Away from the cricket itself, 拢276,000 were made as a profit by the club last year and for those in the office the target over the next 12 months is to double that.
Headingley is fast changing as a Test venue. The club have been given the green light for funding a new pavilion on the Kirkstall Lane end of the ground. Building and clearance work should start at the end of the season.
Regan says it's an important step to give the ground it's own cricket identity. There will be brand new facilities for the players and a new media centre and members and corporate areas will be housed in the same building. That should all be up and running in time for the Ashes in 2009.
The only down side to all the development is that as one area looks bright and new, the remainder looks even more drab. The Rugby stand is likely to take another couple of years after that to alter, but clearly these things take time.
For those of you wanting to watch the Test match at Leeds, meanwhile, I'm told that although the first three days are sold out, there are plenty of tickets left for the fourth day, which is the spring bank holiday Monday.
An interesting article, but can we please have pieces on other clubs, especially the smaller non test hosting grounds. I know Kevin Howells is the main county reporter and is a Yorkshire supporter so an article on them is the natural progression although i admit they have had a bit of turmoil over the last few months.
Complain about this postyorks have an excellent team this year, very good batting line up with Gillespie capable of scoring centuries at the end. Bowling very good also - Hoggard, Rashid, Gough and Gillespie.
Complain about this postYorkshire have, over recent years, found it difficult to build on early season successes through the middle of the summer, leaving themselves with work to do at the end of the year to win trophies or avoid relegation.
A strong squad (Craig White dropped at the Rosebowl and then scoring 97 back at Headingly) should see an end to this, but also an effort to make best use of their talents (Gillespie and Brophy both seem to be doing this in 2007 where they missed out in 2006).
Complain about this postWhile I don't necessarily agree with Matt, I can see his point of view. I think his complaint can be leveled at selector level as well as the media. Cricket should learn the lessons of the premiership and not ignore the 'smaller' counties in favour of a selected few.
However, I am pleased Yorkshire, their Chief Exceutive and the signing they've made are receiving recognition. They really have done a good job to achieve what they have done already this season, let alone what they might go on to achieve.
I said in pre-season that Younis was the key signing both on and off the field. How much his experience is helping Gough captain is unclear but he's certainly led by a very positive example.
Complain about this postIt's Younus not Younis.
Complain about this postGreat start for Yorkshire this season, they have my full support. Signings of Younis Khan and Rudolph have been brilliant, just the type of energetic and experienced campaigners that your want in your squad and for the younger players to learn from.
Complain about this postAgree with Matt earlier. I am a Yorkshire fan and the turn around in fortunes clearly warrants this article. However, as a cricket fan first, I would like to see in-depth articles about the small clubs like Derbyshire, Glamorgan and of course Lancashire.
Complain about this postI was at Headingley the other week and the mood (particulary within the notoriously grumpy members area) was very upbeat.
Big kudos must go to Regan and Boycott for their work behind the scenes.
Complain about this postI was at Headingley the other week and the mood (particulary within the notoriously grumpy members area) was very upbeat.
Big kudos must go to Regan and Boycott for their work behind the scenes.
Complain about this postWell according to cricinfo its
Mohammad Younis Khan
Anyway great to hear good news coming from Yorkshire after a torrid winter. Another outstanding day in the field has put Worcs in tatters, just need the rain to relent for 1 more day.
Complain about this postMy other hope is for a succesful 20-20 campaign. Not the best game for the purists but will get bums on seats and NEW supporters to the ground, all good for the long term future.
Ah, but according to Younus, it's Younus
I have to admit, I was one of the doubters over Gough's return....but the life that he's breathed into the side can't be denied. I just hope that the wave of good-will continues throughout the season, and we can get some silverware in the cabinet.
Complain about this postHello and thanks for the comments. Keep them coming.
Complain about this postOn the defensive a bit to point out I am not a Yorkshire fan. I ignored the jibe last week.
I live in Leeds but come from Shropshire although I know more Yorkshire players and staff than other counties following my work at Radio Leeds for many years.
I am however very aware that I have given them more coverage than others so far this year and I hope it is for good reason. The winter they had was interesting and therefore the start they've made caught my eye.
I will cover as many clubs as I can during the Summer but my journey will depend on where I end up for five live so please stick with me.
What I would like to happen is for anyone with a thought on the county game and/or players you've seen to write about them in these pages and let me know.
Thanks Kevin.
On the issue of YOUNIS or YOUNUS, we are in a difficult position because for many years we have called him YOUNIS and most media outlets have generally stuck with that. The issue is more with pronunciation than spelling, because the name is translitterated from the urdu alphabet. So Kevin and his colleagues will call him YOUNUS on air, but we will stick to YOUNIS on copy...
Complain about this postsat. p.m. after another brilliant win - we will overlook the importance of winning the toss...
tere will be games lost later in the season for every county will be straining to bring us down but on this early showing the joy that exists within the side is pure magic and, himbly, I wish the County continued success .
archie white
Complain about this postI have supported Yorkshire Cricket ever since, as a young boy, Fred Trueman captured my imagination. After the yers of strife and under-performance, it is great to think that they are heading back towards glory again.
Complain about this postWhile on your travels Kevin around the county circuit (glad to know of someone else who acknowledges its' existance and worth - BTW), perhaps you could keep in mind that many of us cannot sit glued to tv sets with teletext running, to keep up to date with the scores from around the country. Whether it be Yorkshire or any other team.
Not so long ago, when Mr Grade still held the reins at the 大象传媒, Five Live managed a brief spell when it gave up to date scores from the county championship scores at regular intervals throughout the day.
It is - to my mind - NO coincidence that, since Mr Grades' departure, this same station no longer feels under an obligation to continue this service, and has reverted to type, by catering first (in priority terms) and diproportionately - for football fans to the exclusion of everyone else.
Perhaps we can rely on you Kevin to argue the case for the reinstatement of this cricket score update back into the schedules - as a minimum requirement??.
It my come as a surprise to all at Five Live, but NOT everyone that contributes to the up - keep of the station, is a football fan, and it is about time that both Five Live in particular, and the 大象传媒 in general got that message, both LOUD & CLEAR, and ONCE & FOR ALL!!!.
Complain about this postVery well said mike, agree entirely
Complain about this postmike - I'm living 150 miles away from yorks and still get ball by ball coverage on the net. Its easy to find....
shame about the rain today spoilt another 2 points...
keep up the yorks focus , the country needs to know how well we are doing. We can win something this year with positive application. (if warks can be 2nd with their team anything is poss...)
Keep it up goughie and moxy :-)
Complain about this postWhen Yorkshire is strong, England is strong - or so the saying goes. Could be a good summer for both? Well, for the former, definitely! Come on lads!
Complain about this postJust wish Five Live would take County cricket more seriously, Just one cricket reporter? Why not one at every match, like for the Football. Sorry, but they treat county cricket as almost an irrelavance. And why no cricket 606, especially during the World Cup, Football isn't the only sport with passionate fans, Five Live just seems to be interested on Football, I know it's the National game but I feel they over do it.
Complain about this post(Post 14)......With due respect, the internet is of little use whaen a large portion of your day is spent in the car. Besides, surely the principle should be that a P.S.B, should be obligated to cater for everyone who is compelled to fund it, as a main tenet of its' continued protected status.
Complain about this postGood article and the same on other conuties woudl be good is this the right place to ask when will England be taking a look at Adil Rashid? His figures are looking good and so are the reports. He is also a leg spinner and an all rounder which to me is just the ticket for England at the moment our 5th bowler needs to be able to Bat at 8. Ideal to have two spinners as well if wickets take spin later in the summer.
Complain about this postAre people overlooking perhaps the most influential move of the winter, i.e. parting with the overwhelmingly depressing influence of David Byas? There are those of us who believe his unimaginative captaincy and gloomy disposition may have cost two championships before winning one, and could have heavily influenced the departure of players with immense potential.
Complain about this postIS MARTIN GOUGH ANY RELATION TO DARREN GOUGH
Complain about this postTTHANK YOU
hi i m zohaib i have great intreast in cricket i like ur county side i want to wasit ur country for watching county can u help
Complain about this postcounty crickets does not mean that englang can improve its abilities as world has been watching international matches of mother of cricket .
Complain about this postor not it has as much interest as ODIs and TM.
I think that Yorkshire won't last; a great start to the county season, yes, but what will happen in times to come?
We can't just depend on Rudolph and Rashid to do everything; Gillespie's 123 was just a one off and he's not too clever at bowling this season, so far either.
I'd like to see Yorkshire do well, but I feel they can't keep it up.
Complain about this postDear Sir!
Complain about this postIndeed it was nice to read about what going on with yorkshire.Specially it was right of u to express your views about signing of younis khan,he is a 200% kind of a man.A complete man who would not give up without a fight.His induction as rightly pointed out is goin to draw the attention of Asian community spec the Pakis.
Tariq Saeed, Rawalpindi
Pakistan.