As a man who has already picked up a Championship winners medal, Alan Mullally can see all the signs of something similar for the forthcoming season with Hampshire.

In fact, the left-arm paceman can see even more in the attitude side of the squad than he witnessed as a part of the Leicestershire squad that were crowned champions in 1996 and 1998.

Having lost 6kg working out `back home' in Perth, a change of diet and approach has tuned Mullally in for an exciting season. And he believes Hampshire are ripe for a challenge for the Championship.

"I think man-for-man, we are as talented as the team I played for previously that won the Championship. Some of our players are better, some are just as good. But the difference is in the state of mind – the positive attitude, the work ethic in the gym, that kind of thing.

"These sorts of things have to become a habit. Once we start training and performing in those ways, the sky is the limit."

The squad have been under the scrutinising eye of some sports psychology advisors, who have been working with the team in their pre-season preparation. Mullally feels this has been a great benefit and the effects are starting to show through.

"We are moving forward with these people. This is one aspect of our game where we can improve. That is a part, and with a new physio in Patrick Farhart, who is superb and is showing, especially the bowlers, an aspect of fitness I certainly never knew existed for bowling.

"It is going to be a great season. Signing John Crawley and Nic Pothas, both international players and proven winners, will add a positive aspect to our squad. It will also take a lot of pressure off the other guys, like `The Judge', so he will feel there is a lot of weight off his shoulders.

"Hopefully he can not just go out and bat, without the added pressure around him.

"To see the lads back here looking fitter and stronger and ready for action is excellent. Alex Morris has lost a lot of weight and seems extremely fit while many of the other boys have been out in Australia and South Africa for the winter, working on their games and fitness.

"There will be healthy competition for places, which is healthy for the club and healthy for each player. It is going to be great when we win the Championship!" he boldly predicts.

Which left one underlying question – what about Alan Mullally 2002? "Obviously I want to keep doing what I have done for Hampshire. I think I have done quite well bowling wise and I want to maintain that.

"But I also want to get back into the England set-up, especially with the World Cup less than a year away. I believe one-day cricket is my forte in international colours and I am looking forward to being a part of that."

"It promises to be a great year. With the new facilities off the field, all we want to do is match those with a great season on it."

© Hampshire Cricket