Mustard Gone..

[jonb]

By mutual consent.

Whilst I know there was a feeling by some that he'd under performed, I can't help but feel that this leaves an already weak batting line up shorter of options.

We've already replaced Klinger with a bowler, and now lose Mustard as well. Add on last years loss of Hamish, and it does leave us light - the only replacement in that time (other than the youngsters) being Higgins, who is pretty inexperienced.

I'd assume this means Roderick keeping, and just hope his fingers hold up!!

I guess it's too much too ask that we might see another batsman coming in? By my reckoning, competing for top 6/7 in the batting we have:

Dent
Tavare
Benny
Jack
Higgins
Hankins
Roderick
Cockbain
GVB
Bracey (not early season?)

So 10 (9 early season), for probably 7 places. Probably fine in terms of numbers, but worrying lack of consistent, experienced runs. A number of those surely considered better white ball players than red as well (Benny/Cockbain/Higgins).

[procswrongfoot]

By mutual agreement/consent......I think we can all work out what that probably means.

Seem to recall, the previous article from him on the official website, whereby he reflected on last season and was indicating what we needed to do to improve in 2018. I interpreted this at the time that he was expecting to be captain this season. Perhaps nose put out of joint when Dent was announced as our new captain. Wonder if it was also indicated that he would not necessarily be in our starting eleven. Or alternatively, was he going to be vice captain, only to suddenly decide to leave. That would perhaps explain why Jack was rather belatedly elevated to vice captain. No doubt, Mustard asked his agent to find some opportunity elsewhere....I am rather intrigued as to where he is heading. All of this is far too last minute to my mind and not what we need with the season about to commence.

I did find the club statement to be somewhat terse. No token expression of thanks, which is perhaps telling in itself. My suggested starting line up, which I made back in Feb, is starting to fall apart at the seams.....no Mustard or Payne and presumably Norwell is also unlikely to be fit for the Kent match. If Worrall comes in to replace Liddle, which is likely, then we will start will no player aged 30 or over. Youngest averaged aged team that I can remember (perhaps some resident statto will come along to correct my memory).

Think that jonb has summed up our situation nicely. Some experience is vital when the situation starts getting tough. Anyway, all we can do is press on and do our utmost best. C'mon the Glos.

[nevillerhodes]

Apart from Chris Read can anybody think of any other ex-England wicketkeepers that Glos CCC might be interested in or have they exhausted the market?

[steve]

Not too disappointed about the loss of Mustard. I thought he was a rather poor captain and at 35 it was probably time to move forward.
Yes we will lose his experience but our batting department is perhaps older than we realise. Roderick and Jack are 26, Dent and GVB 27, Tavare 28, Benny 29 and Cockbain 31.
Also plenty of exciting young talent in Hankin, Bracey and Higgins that can now get a decent run.

[jonb]

That's just the problem though, isn't it? It is older than we talk about. Whilst I'm happy with Dent/Taylor/Roderick, the reality is the other four slots will be filled by either (a) Unproven youngsters or (b)Players of 28 and over who have never been able to nail down a four day slot. What we're asking for is for some of those players to do what they've never done and hit consistent runs - it's not so much lack of experience as lack of pedigree (as harsh as that sounds!). We really need players now to step up and out perform what they've done in their career previously - that's not to say they can't do it, but it's a big ask.

[rcotswold]

Although he brought maturity and experience to the squad may I suggest that he considered that his options would be limited this season with younger faces around. Besides his "commute" from somewhere seriously 'up-north' and leaving his family must be draining. Further its time many of our squad must face up to the fact its results time or out! Surprised Smith was given an extended contract, unless its as a spinning + 2ndXI coach?