The three Somerset players, Ian Blackwell, Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick who are part of the England camp `down under' have sent a Christmas message back to all of their loyal fans back at home.

Ian Blackwell told me: "Please you can wish all of our supporters back in the west country a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from the Somerset trio."

Whilst the two senior England players were preparing for the Melbourne Test that starts on Boxing Day, `Blackie' has a few days away from the spotlight before the next international against the old enemy in Hobart on January 13th.

Reflecting on the situation in the VB One Day series he told me: " Well, four games gone for us `Poms' and a place in the finals beckons. I have been very pleased with my performance and contributions considering I have been carrying a couple of painful niggles, a dodgy knee, a slightly pulled achilles and sore heel which have both come from over bowling in the nets."

With regard to his own selection for the World Cup he said: " Lets hope the press are right and that I have done enough to secure a spot for South Africa.I would be very disappointed not to be going. Lets hope these next few weeks before the next one dayer will enable my body to heal and also relax whilst watching someone else put in the hard yards!"

Closer to home Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson and new chairman Giles Clarke also had seasonal messages for all Cidermen fans across the region.

Peter Anderson told me: "This is the time of year when we should all have huge smiles on our faces, because this is a time to celebrate all the good things about being decent human beings."

The Somerset boss continued: "Whilst our members and supporters were disappointed last season we are grateful for the generous attitude that they displayed to both the club and the players. We all need to look ahead and smile at the expectation of better things to come."

He concluded: "I would like to wish all Somerset supporters and their families a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas."

Newly appointed chairman Giles Clarke told me: "I must be the luckiest person in the world to have received the best Christmas present ever. To be appointed as chairman of a great club like Somerset is clearly a tremendous honour."

The new chairman concluded: "I hope to serve you all with distinction and in thanking you for your confidence I would like to wish you and your families a meaningful Christmas and a very successful New Year."

© SOMERSET