Simon Francis is the new fast bowler in the camp at Somerset County Cricket Club and he is keen and eager to play first team cricket for the county.

Twenty three year old Simon, who was born and brought up in Kent, signed for the Cidermen at the end of last season following his release from Hampshire.

I asked him what attracted him to Somerset. "I had been speaking to Kevin Shine during the season about what he was doing at the club, and talked to some of the players and it all sounded pretty impressive. The set up here is very professional, and now I'm here it's even better than I expected," he told me.

He continued, "The two coaches here are so young that they could both still be playing first class cricket themselves. They are a lot more open minded and in touch professionally." The young fast bowler told me that he had been on the Hampshire staff for six years, but missed the first four months of last season after suffering a stress fracture of the back, which happened ironically at Taunton in the pre-season friendly. "I bowled two or three overs and then had to go off," he said.

What was he hoping for this season? "I'm aiming to get a full season under my belt and get a regular first team spot. A lot will depend upon the availability of Andrew Caddick, and with the success that both Richard Johnson and Steffan Jones had last season there will be a lot of competition for bowling places this season. I see myself as the third seamer in the side," he told me.

How had his training during the winter gone? "The whole set up at Somerset is dedicated to success. My bowling has improved and I've refined my action. I'm excited and can't wait for the season to start," he told me.

How was he finding living in the West Country I asked? "It's a lot quieter than I expected, but I'm settling in well down here. Everyone is very friendly and I get along with everybody," he told me.

"I'm buying a property locally, and would like to think that this is going to be my home. I'm looking at Somerset as a long term commitment," he said. Certainly Kevin Shine rates him very highly. "I've been aware of him for two or three years and when I heard that he'd been released he came straight down here even on the back of his disappointment signed for us."

The coach continued, "He's picked himself up and performed really well, which says a lot about him. He's got himself in good shape and really impressed me with his ability to assimilate and practice- he's working outside the comfort zone and will do everything that is required."

I asked Simon Francis what his dream for the season would be. "I'd love to play for Somerset at Lord's in a cup winning side. I think that's realistic," he told me.

Lets all hope that the dream comes true for Simon and the rest of the team!

© Somerset