After my decision to retire from playing first-class cricket and the very generous collection that was made during the 2nd XI’s Aon Final victory, I would like to say a few works to all the county followers.

It seems like only yesterday when I made my debut against Middlesex 2nd XI at Ealing, but in fact 10 seasons have passed. In this time, as everyone, I have seen many changes, but unfortunately one of them was not Willis as a permanent fixture on the Kent 1st XI scorecards. This had obviously been disappointing, but I feel I have always had a good relationship, as well as support from the Kent public.

To get crowds at 2nd XI matches makes the players feel that little bit more special and I know that the crowd of 2,500 for our Aon final this year had a major effect on the players.

Taking up my new post of Kent’s cricket administration manager is a very exciting one and hopefully I can take those off-the-field distractions away from The Management and players so that they can concentrate on the job in hand. I would like to finish by saying that my collection amassed £550. The collect was totally unknown in advance to me, but very much appreciated by Louise, Alexandra and myself.

I hope you all winter well, Many thanks,

Simon Willis