NEWLY-appointed South Wilts skipper James Hayward says he can't wait for the new season to start and admits it will be a proud moment when he leads his side out for Saturday's opening game against Bashley (Rydal).

Although the elevation of the talented young player to such a key role at the Lower Bemerton outfit could be seen as a brave and bold move by the club, it might also be considered a risky one.

But selectors are keen to give youth its head, and in the 21-year-old, they know exactly what they're getting.

When Rob Wade made it clear he no longer desired the captaincy, Hayward was the obvious choice.

Having also starred for the Hampshire Academy, Hayward joined South Wilts when he was just ten and made his first team debut in 2003.

"It is something I've always wanted to do," explained Hayward, who is very optimistic that after a couple of transitional seasons, the club's fortunes are about to improve.

"Of course it's an honour to captain the club and I'm very much looking forward to the season ahead.

"I'm probably the youngest captain the club's ever had so yes it is a bold move, a brave move. But we do have a very young side so I don't think there will be a problem.

"I've played for the club since I was ten years old and I've been in the first team for the last four years. So regardless of my age, I feel the time is right for me.

"I know Rob wasn't too keen to do it over the past two years - it was a very tough job - but he was still the right man for it.

"But this is a fresh start for everyone and fortunately I was the lucky one who got the job."

The club certainly endured a miserable 2007 season and even flirted with the relegation zone at one point.

Hayward's appointment, plus the arrival of highly-respected all-rounder James Hibberd and overseas player Simon Branston has provided a timely boost to morale and hopes are high that the club will once again be pushing for honours.

"I'm definitely optimistic about the new season," explained Hayward.

"The way the boys have reacted to the new regime has been brilliant.

"It's fair to say the club has gone through a transitional stage.

"We've certainly lost a lot of key players over the last couple of seasons.

"Last year was always going to be hard. Rob knew we were going to be up against it and so it proved."

South Wilts eventually finished in a very disappointing eighth place - their lowest since the league began in 2000.

In mitigation, the very un-summer-like weather also contributed to a dire campaign.

Matches against sides they could have been expected to beat were among the many postponements caused by rain-sodden Saturdays.

"The weather was another factor last year," says the skipper. "I know it's the same for everyone, but it wasn't ideal.

"It always seemed to go against us and it's very difficult when you've lost two in a row to then get into a routine that helps you get back among the runs."

Although keen to be his own man, Hayward knows he has a wealth of experience on which to draw and he expects to do just that.

"It's great that there's plenty of experience here.

"We all know each other and we're at the stage where I know I can go to them for advice, but hopefully they'll be able to come to me and offer advice anyway.

"Rob, James Hibberd, Adie Holewell and Paul Draper in particular are all very experienced players - they've been there and done that."

The arrival of Wiltshire star Hibberd has been crucial to the rebuilding of the club.

As well as being an acclaimed all-rounder, Hibberd is a highly regarded coach and the offer of a coaching role within the club was a key factor in him joining.

"Hibberd has been a great signing," said Hayward.

"We brought him in as coach and he fits the role perfectly and has allowed me to take a back seat in training.

"It's a breath of fresh air - the training's been very good. Our fitness is good and everyone's happy."

While no one is expecting Hayward to steer South Wilts to the Division One title in his first season as skipper, the youngster is hopeful they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the summer.

"We'll certainly give it a go but you have to be realistic."

So who does he think will be vying for the top spot?

"Totton & Eling are bound to be up there. They always have a strong side and they've got a good catchment area in Southampton, so that helps.

"Havant won the league last year and you'd expect them to be competing again.

"But we've got a chance.

"We've got a mix of experience and some great youngsters coming through and that could help. I'm happy with the squad and I can't wait for the season to start."

2:58pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

Print

Email this