Lancashire captain Glen Chapple believes his side's absence from Old Trafford may end up helping their championship challenge.
Lancashire skipper plays down exile from Old Trafford
Lancashire captain Glen Chapple believes his side's enforced absence from Old Trafford may end up helping their LV= County Championship challenge.
This season the Red Rose county will play just one First Division fixture at their usual home due to major ground work.
Instead, they will play five four-day games at Liverpool and one each at Blackpool and Southport.
But veteran seamer Chapple, who will lead his side out against Sussex in the season-opener at Liverpool next Friday, insists that staying away from Old Trafford will not harm Lancashire's chances.
"Liverpool and Blackpool have been result pitches over the years and we have good records there," the 37-year-old said.
"We are seeing that as a positive to help get some home wins under our belt. The lads are getting on really well together and working hard. We're all excited.
Preparation
"We spend a lot of time preparing, so by the time the season comes around we are ready to get on with it."
Lancashire have not taken an outright county title since 1934 and have not won a trophy of any description for 12 years.
Due to financial restraints, they enter the new season with a slim-line squad including just one overseas player - Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof - but Chapple is confident his side have the quality to compete with the best.
He added: "We are always ambitious at the club. It is well known we haven't had any championships, or even any one-day success, here for a number of years now.
"But we have been there or thereabouts, missing out in big games. We don't have the big-name players we used to have, so many people may not fancy us.
"But a lot of our lads have picked up a lot of experience now and they are maturing. Hopefully with our tight unit we will surprise a few people."
