Rhodes upbeat on future
Worcestershire preparing for life without run-machine Hick
Last Updated: February 12, 2009 11:08am
Hick: retired at the end of the 2008 season
Director of cricket Steve Rhodes has backed Worcestershire's young players to fill the void created by Graeme Hick's retirement.
"There might be a lot of people out there thinking it is the end of an era, that it is all doom and gloom. Yes, Graeme had 25 wonderful years at Worcester but it is a new chapter now and we all move on with the young guns. I couldn't have asked for a better squad for 2009."
Steve Rhodes Quotes of the week
Hick called it quits at the end of last season after 25 run-filled years at New Road.
But Rhodes has faith in the likes of former Warwickshire batsman Moeen Ali, who has joined on a new three-year contract, and young all-rounder Alexei Kervezee to help plug the gap.
"Hicky was a wonderful servant to Worcestershire and I have been privileged to play in the same team as Graeme for many years," said Rhodes.
"He will be missed without a doubt in terms of his experience, his ability to catch anything at second slip, as well as his run-scoring ability.
"But make no mistake, the club goes on and the door will shut for Graeme but will open for others.
"Moeen Ali may now get a good opportunity to cement a place in the first team and Alexei Kervezee is knocking on the door.
End of an era
"There might be a lot of people out there thinking it is the end of an era, that it is all doom and gloom.
"Yes, Graeme had 25 wonderful years at Worcester but it is a new chapter now and we all move on with the young guns.
"I couldn't have asked for a better squad for 2009."
Meanwhile, Worcestershire have defended their decision to charge life members an additional admission fee to watch Twenty20 Cup cricket at New Road in 2009.
A section of supporters have voiced their concerns to the county at having to pay an additional £35 after some have already paid out £2,240 for life membership.
But chairman Martyn Price insisted it was only a minority.
He said "We have 850 life members and only 25 have complained about the surcharge."
Alexei Kervezee
Moeen Ali
