From my perspective, 1999 represented a season of good progress. Our finishing positions of fifth and third in the Championship and CGU Leagues respectively ensured Premier Division cricket. Our performances in the NatWest took us to the quarter-final stage and given England's performance against New Zealand, our fighting draw against the tourists was an excellent effort.

Our performances at 2nd XI level have been outstanding - sixth in the three and four day competition and winning the Aon Trophy was a great achievement for the club.

I'm hopeful on the evidence of 1999 that we may not be far away from success. From that point of view it is relevant and important, cricketwise and commercially, that we are in the Premier League. We want to be winning trophies at the top end of the pile, not half-way up it.

Currently a lot of work is going into planning for next season and strengthening and balancing the 2000 playing staff. This is always a challenging time when some difficult decisions have to be made. You don't please everyone, but all these matters are discussed and debated in detail. We always attempt to answer the question: "What's best for Kent cricket?"

On reflection our slow start in both our Championship and CGU League competitions cost us dear. Surrey made it their year in the Championship, but our start, and losing our late-season matches to Yorkshire and Lancashire, cost us second place.

The players reported to pre-season fitter than ever. Fitness breeds self-discipline and our work ethic is better. We placed emphasis on working positively together as a group, helping each other. Selections were made on performance and we have quality players.

Early on it was my personal view that we first needed a win or two to get our confidence and self-belief going. Our victory against Durham was a boost, but it was not until late June at Maidstone Week, with victories against Warwickshire in both four-day and one-day, that our season really turned round.

Our next four-day match against Worcestershire produced another win and it was that match particularly that typified the fighting qualities of our side. Although my statistical knowledge does not match that of our cheerful expert scorer, the greatjack Foley, it is unlikely that any side in first-class cricket has won consecutive matches after suffering hat-tricks in their top five of the batting order in the first innings each time.

At lunch on the first day against Worcester we were 7 off 32 overs. Their coach looked a lot happier, enjoying his apple pie and custard, than I did. Winning from this position was a wonderful achievement, not only in cricket skills, but also exhibiting a tough, fighting spirit.

We returned solid results in July and August - 11 wins, two draws and two one-day losses, which included the disappointing NatWest quarter-final. It was in this period that we consolidated our position for Premier League cricket for next season.

Individually, Julian Thompson and Min Patel had outstanding seasons. Min has worked hard to overcome his knee problems and should be back in the England frame for selection. We are delighted that Julian has decided to return for next season.

Andrew Symonds proved a good overseas signing and we will miss him, particularly his competitive instincts on and off the field. However, we are pleased to have signed Rahul Dravid. He is world-class and will provide leadership, batting at number three. It will he an excellent opportunity, particularly for our younger players, to hat at the other end and to watch and learn from close quarters.

We are looking forward to the return in 2000 of Ben Phillips and Martin Saggers, who missed most of the 1999 season with serious injuries. We predict bright futures for both of them, and certainly at times this "on our fast howling resources were severely stretched without them.

It would be easy to pick out a few more names - the development of James Hockley and Will House for example - but the season was characterised by contributions from all members at one stage or another.

I am very pleased with the way the squad is starting to develop a real desire to work at their individual cricketing skills, showing a willingness to learn and improve.

Congratulations to Dean Headley and Mark Ealham for their England selections, commiserations to Ed Smith, Rob Key, Julian Thompson and Min Patel, all of whom must have been dose to one of England's teams.

I would like to thank my fellow coaches, Alan Ealham and Chris Stone. They represent everything that is good about Kent cricket Paul Millman and his administrative team have provided us with valuable back-up, and it would he remiss of me not to mention our head groundsman Mike Grantham and his cheerful team - the wickets at Canterbury were of a high standard this summer.

Our physiotherapists, Fiona Errington, Martyn Sigley and Nimmo Reld, have tried to keep us all in working order and played a big part in our performances this year.

To Matthew Fleming and the players - thank you. We endeavour to challenge you whilst trying to provide the back-up, knowledge and environment that allows you to fulfil your dreams and ambitions for this wonderful game. To those departing - our sincere best wishes to you and your families for the future.

Finally, to all the members and fans of Kent County Cricket Club - thank you for your wonderful support.