2025 PREVIEWS: Skelton begins rebuild with some new faces at relegated Southport & Birkdale

Southport & Birkdale are looking to pick themselves up off the canvas with some new faces and a new man in charge.

Wicketkeeper Dean Skelton takes the reins following last year’s relegation under David Snellgrove.

After two last-gasp survival acts in the Sandgrounders’ five-year stay in the top flight, relegation was a sad coda to a difficult summer which began with Snellgrove stepping in when Chris Cunningham fell seriously ill.

And a longer era came to an end when veteran off-spinner Chris Firth announced his retirement.

Twirling away from the tennis court end at Trafalgar Road since 2003, the former skipper’s absence will leave a bigger gap than any one player could fill.

Lancashire prospect Jack Carney headed for Formby to further his professional ambitions, while Basil Sultan and Jack Stanley also departed the top order. 

Skelton had some rebuilding to do, in terms of morale as well as the playing staff.

“It has been tough,” he admitted. “Towards the end of last year it was really difficult, the mood in the dressing room was poor.

“So bringing in a few new players and having a new captain will definitely help morale. 

“I think a bit of time away will do Firthy the world of good. 

“He has been a fantastic servant to S&B and he’s still involved in the club, but he just wanted a bit of time on Saturdays.

“As for the others, it’s frustrating but I get why people have left, and ultimately you have to do what’s right for you. There’s no hard feelings.”

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Former Dutch international Muhammad Kashif – lately of Cheshire County Cricket League side Bollington – will bowl some of Firth’s overs.

And an Australian amateur, 19-year-old Raunak Roy, will join the batting department – along with Kiran Naidoo from Ormskirk and Seb Rice from Northern, two young prospects unlikely to get much of a look-in at their old clubs.

Skelton said: “It’s about bringing these players through and giving them a platform. 

“The Prem is a very good standard of cricket and it can be tough for a young lad when there’s an SLA on at one end who is a first-class cricketer. 

“I think in this league, there will be more opportunities to score runs and get wickets.

“It’s a much younger side but we’ll see how we go. 

“I just want the lads to have a laugh and enjoy their cricket.”

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Last time S&B were in Division One, in 2018, they stormed back up as champions under Firth, going unbeaten until late July.

Skelton – one of six captains in the division starting the season new to the role – has more modest ambitions.

He added: “We’ve got a three- to five-year plan with regards to the building of the club. 

“My main thing is ensuring everyone is enjoying their cricket and I think that naturally brings wins and positivity. 

“We’ve gone away from that in the last few years, it’s been a bit of a survival game. 

“But we need to build something sustainable because in the next few years, I won’t be playing 1st XI cricket and I want to hand it over with a real core of good young cricketers.

“We’re realistic – there are some good sides and we just want to make sure we’re competing in each game. 

“But I’m really comfortable with where we’re at – I’m hoping to be in the top five at least, and we’ll go from there.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/GAXnaor