Steven Croft has what it takes to turn Lancashire’s season around, says Lytham skipper Norris

Lancashire’s Steven Croft, now interim head coach

Lytham’s loss is Lancashire’s gain, according to club skipper Ryan Norris, as Steven Croft steps into the head coach’s role at Emirates Old Trafford.

Norris had been expecting to get 16 games out of the all-rounder this season – he got three.

But he knows the opportunity to replace Dale Benkenstein on an interim basis was too great for Croft to turn down.

Norris said: “I texted him to say congratulations and his response was ‘I’m really sorry, I won’t be able to play against Maghull on Sunday’. 

“We’re gutted to lose him but I can’t wish him enough luck.

“From what I’ve seen of what goes on with Lancs, I can’t see that there’s anyone better for the role at this time. 

“He’ll look to galvanise the squad and take things forward, and start turning results around.”

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As expected from a former county captain, who hit the winning runs at Taunton to clinch the 2011 County Championship title, Croft has always been a goldmine of experience for his club teammates.

Lytham have won just one of their opening five Division One games – one more than Lancashire have managed from seven attempts in the Championship.

But the captain says Croft has been determined to help turn things around.

“He’s been monumental,” Norris added. 

“We’ve not had the best start but he’s been good at taking the positives while highlighting where we’ve gone wrong as a team. 

“He looks at what we did wrong and how to build on that, he’s always really positive in the dressing room. 

“On the field he always looks to attack, but at the same time he’s extremely calm and calculated. 

“We’ve got quite a young squad this year and he’s always giving the younger guys advice, whether it’s technique or tactics.”

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Croft, 40, started out at his home town club of Blackpool but made the move down the coast to Lytham in 2017, playing 18 games in the Premier Division before relegation in 2019.

So he has seen plenty of what the Comp has to offer – and Norris agrees his new role can only spell good news for the league’s talented young players.

He said: “I don’t think Crofty is the sort of person who will have his head turned, he has an open approach.

“I think it’s a case of not necessarily starting again but taking a fresh approach – he might have a look at some of the younger lads around the Comp.”

Whether Croft’s appointment turns out to be short-term or longer, Norris is confident the Red Rose have the right man.

“I have every faith that Crofty will give it his all,” he said. 

“He’s Lancashire through and through.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/GgijVd3