ESSEX Cricket chief executive Derek Bowden admits he is excited to get started in the County Championship, after the fixtures for the new season were released yesterday.

The Eagles host Gloucestershire in the first match of the season, beginning Sunday, April 10, while their first two away matches of the County Championship campaign are at last year’s relegated sides Sussex and Worcestershire.

There is also an early reunion with Reece Topley, who left Essex at the end of the season to join division one outfit Hampshire, in the One-Day Cup while a home match against Surrey kicks off the T20 season at the Essex County Ground.

And Bowden says the release of the fixture list is always an exciting occasion, as cricket fans gear up for the new campaign, while admitting his satisfaction at the scheduling.

“It is always a day that captures the imagination as it marks the start of a new season,” he said. “It is positive from a marketing perspective as it gives supporters a chance to plan ahead.

“It is funny the little ironies that the fixture list throws up (an early One-Day Cup face-off with Reece Topley’s Hampshire) and that makes it interesting. It is a good spread of matches and the ECB have worked hard to get it together as it isn’t an easy task.

“We are fortunate as we have five Friday night T20 matches and two on Thursday nights at Chelmsford as well so from a commercial point of view that is very good.

“We are in the process of looking at some options to strengthen the team and are excited for the new season.”

Essex are among the favourites to win promotion from division two this year, with the club’s bosses making no secret of their desire to secure a place in division one.

Although Bowden disputed the notion that the players would be under increased pressure due to the expectations of the hierarchy.

“I don’t believe there is added pressure,” said Bowden. “Every season is similar as we always want to challenge. We’ve been the nearly men for a few years now and feel we will be in a good position to challenge for a top two spot.”

 

Head coach update

DEREK Bowden added a decision could be made on the new Essex head coach in the next week.

A five-man shortlist has been drawn up and Bowden is excited at the names in the ring to replace Paul Grayson, who left at the start of September.

“We have a strong pool and we have five very good candidates to choose from. The response has been good and it is a big job to take on.

“Assuming whoever we appoint accepts the position, we could know something by the middle of next week.”