Somerset coach Kevin Shine was in a buoyant mood when I spoke to him at the County Ground in Taunton earlier today.

"There is something special happening at the club at the moment, and there is a really exciting feel about the place."

The coach continued, "The whole club is linking together which is fantastic. Take a look at what is happening here this afternoon,Steffan Jones is working alongside the Somerset Academy boys, along with Mark Garaway and myself, which is how it should be, with the youngsters learning from the first team players."

The coach talked about some the new equipment which has been brought into use over the last few months. "Somerset are at the cutting edge of things with all of their new technology, there aren't many other counties, if any, who are better equipped than we are."

Kevin Shine paid tribute to "backroom" staff, the trainers and the physios at the club, who have worked hard in the background over the winter months to ensure that the players are fitter and stronger than they ever have been.

He also paid tribute to all of the players at Somerset for their attitude towards the new fitness and dietary regimes, "Everybody has taken it on board, from the first team right the way through to the Academy boys, and even down to the Under 12's. Peter Bowler who is the oldest player on the staff has been a wonderful example for the youngsters to follow."

Meanwhile Steffan Jones who was working in one of the nets with a youngster from the Somerset Academy told me, "There's only just over two months until the new season. I just can't wait to get out there and bowling again."

© SOMERSET