When Philip (and others) Met Ant

Notts winless run in the 4-day Competition has clearly exercised the minds of many at the Club and some, like myself, have been more vociferous and sought to effect changes than others.

We are not a Club of militant Members but we really share a passion for Notts to do well - and we want that to be in Division 1 of the County Championship as well as the 50 and 20 Overs formats - so it was extremely appreciated by a number of us today to have the opportunity to speak with Ant Botha - encouraging because as Members it is good to be acknowledged and, even more so, have the opportunity to ask some questions, express some of our thoughts and hear a considered and undefensive response.

I hope that this is not 'damning' Ant with 'faint praise' as they say but, rather, a sincere appreciation of his interactions with us.

We ended up feeling a lot more positive at the end of the day and even energised - our levels of despair and frustration were significantly lifted because what he did was make clearer to us the aims and ambitions that exist and how that the Coaches are working hard to try to instill a positive and realistic ethos into the players - especially the younger ones, whilst also emphasising to the more experienced ones what more they still have to offer and need to offer.

We have a relatively small Squad and it would be odd if some of them didn't see in their minds eyes the 'glory and riches' ahead of them in the Limited Overs Competitions BUT, and Ant was perfectly correct, it is in the 4-day Game that skills and expertise are learnt - it is the bedrock of everything that then follows. Here they learn patience; how to 'graft' their way through difficult phases of the Game; how to build up good batting partnerships; how to work together with their colleagues and help and encourage them; and how to continue to put into practise the skills and techniques that the Coaches have been working on with them.

But, above all, none of the above are likely to be maximised without the players realising what a superb Club they are playing for; what a rich history Notts have and what wonderful Members we have who really want them to succeed.

So, and I know that some upsets have been caused by recent actions by some of us, the lesson today was just how much it is appreciated when the Club can be as open and honest as possible; share its 'vision'; explain some of the reasons why potential isn't being achieved and make clear how clear the expectations are on Players and Staff alike and what the consequences can be of failing to reach those expectations.

I was personally impressed by Ant being clear just how much the Club also helps those Players it has to release and how it sometimes recognises that it is for their own good to sometimes move to pastures new.

The one thing we all have in common, though, is the wish for Notts to succeed but sometimes success has to come at a painful price. As Members we do expect to see the recruitment and on-going development of players - that links of absolute necessity with the abilities of the Director of Cricket and the Coaching staff to both bring out those abilities as well as to accept responsibilities when, as has been the case for a while now, success has eluded us. THEY have to identify where the problems are and look at themselves and ask why they have not been able to help them play better - it is that coming to Notts from Division 2 Clubs has been too much of a challenge? Is it that some of the players have unrealistic expectations of what to expect from Notts - or even unrealistic assessments of their abilities? Is there a lack of professional 'appetite' to succeed? Is there the right 'culture' and discipline within the Club?

I am clear that from the top downwards there isn't anyone who doesn't want success. The Director of Cricket wants us to succeed; the Head Coach likewise and all of the Coaching / Fitness staff under him. I can only speak for myself but my criticisms are not personal - although they may seem very like it - but out of a frustration and desire to see Notts do a lot better. It is, though, those staff who are in the front line when success isn't there - the Members see them as being responsible for taking the necessary remedial actions required. Sometimes the painful issue has to be addressed of whether, despite the acknowledged skills and expertise of some of those staff a 'new broom' may not introduce a new 'freshness' and enthusiasm.

Having, however, raised our concerns I think that it is fair to say that, on balance, we would prefer to give matters until the end of the Season. The 'warnings' have been given loud and clear and it is time to now get behind Notts as a whole and hope that positive progress can now be achieved.

Philip J Measures,