We are on the verge of a new season, and all the achievements of the past year are behind us.

Thank you for all your support and interest last season, but like the players we must now put that behind us even though I realise that your hopes and aspirations have been raised to unprecedented heights as a result of our success.

We have a lot to be proud of at Somerset, our team is now very competitive and our ground is in very good shape.

We are worried about the future but that must not detract from the immediate task in hand which is to provide competitive cricket for you all to watch and enjoy.

I need your help though. You will be aware that in recent times there has been vociferous criticism of both the county game and the county championship. As you know on behalf of the club I publicly defend the standards of cricket and the rights of county clubs to exist and conduct their affairs in an ambitious manner.

If you hear any unwarranted criticism on the airwaves or read about it in any publications please respond in a vigorous manner, either verbally or in written form.

The battle cry is defend your county and defend county cricket!

The truth of the matter is if that there wasn't county cricket there would be no England side, and if there were no county clubs there would be no counties for cricket's aspiring young to aspire to. This is as true for the Minor County teams as it is for the first-class counties.

There is no doubt in my mind that under the excellent management team and backroom staff of Kevin Shine, Mark Garaway, Darren Veness and Andy Hurry our players are well prepared for the task in hand.

All credit to the players as well for what they have been asked to do, which needs total commitment and all their physical energy.

It makes me extremely weary just to watch them!

© SOMERSET