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A call to arms......
As the 2008 cricket season approaches, I have been reflecting upon a winter that has seen many a change in my life. As a 34-year-old, I now fully understand the meaning of a working week. 70-hour weeks have been the norm, and the 2-hour commute to Birmingham a bind. Added to this, the birth of my daughter in early December has brought with it necessary changes in lifestyle, commitment and priority.

As a result of both changes, my appearances on the football field have dwindled and periods at the club bar, declined. However, as I look back, I realise that I am no longer captain of WHCC, which is perhaps the most shocking change! After 5 seasons (4 in succession) I have passed over the reins to Neil Hurst and look forward to playing my part as one of his lieutenants. No more the daily emails from the sub-continent to "most honourable" sir requesting a place at WHCC, no more the weekly text from keen-bean 1st XI players with their latest ideas for the season ahead, no more the writing of lists of teams, batting orders , field settings for Dan Amedee and subs paid. All of that is now Hursty's, and the team could not be in better hands. I thought after 11 seasons summer and winter, I bled purple blood. Hursty, from colt to 1st XI in both cricket and football, not only bleeds purple blood, but drinks it for breakfast and supper!

The first part of our 'handover' has been appointing the cricket development officer (CDO). I am pleased to announce that we have surpassed ourselves and appointed a CDO and YDO (youth development officer).

Ingram Jones joined in January to lead the coaching approach to our colts section. he has already begun in earnest, working closely with Peter Richards at winter nets. Ingram brings with him experience from previous roles, a close link to Middlesex Coaches Association and a passion for the development of youth cricket. He will be a great addition to our structure.

I am delighted to announce we have just signed Michael Buchanan as CDO. Michael joins from Queensland, Australia, where he has been representing the state in List A and 20/20 competitions this winter. Son of former Australia coach, John, Michael joins with an ambition to progress both his cricketing and coaching credentials and will take responsibility for local schools visits and senior coaching of the adult sides and older Colts sides. He, too, will be a magnificent addition to the infrastructure of the club, as well as the quality of the 1st XI.

As I hope you have read, we have not spent the winter idling. We have invested a huge amount of time and effort in securing two quality additions to the club. We want to really build on the success across the board from 2007 and ensure the performance curve continues upwards.

Now, what should the club ask in response? Well, I think it's clear, COMMITMENT. Commitment to start the season available and fit, commitment to pay subs promptly and without delay, commitment to make clear your future availabilities, commitment to practice, commitment to play at the highest possible standard, commitment to support the whole club, commitment to enjoy victory and reflect upon defeat with dignity and camaraderie and commitment to support your skipper through thick and thin. I look forward to 2008 with a new lease of life and cannot wait to see everyone at the Paulin in the next few weeks.

Andy Varley

Introducing Michael Buchanan - Cricket Development Officer, WHCC
	Michael Buchanan, the eldest son of the former Queensland and Australia coach John, had his first run with the Queensland Bulls in the Twenty20 competition two years ago and completed a nine-match Ford Ranger Cup campaign the following season. A compact batsman who played rugby union at under-19 state level, he collected 126 runs, with a highest score of 40 not out off 38 balls on debut against New South Wales. Buchanan also bowls medium pace - he has opened the bowling for his club side University - and was elevated to a full Queensland contract in 2007. If he ever gets stuck he has a close ally in his father. "He's been a very big influence," Michael said, "not just for cricket, but rugby as well."

 [updated 7 September 2007]