Actually. We seem to have proved my argument of greater professionalism in the County game wrong! At least you got Pietersen to stay (although it hasn't really done you as much good as you hoped) - we didn't see Law for the dust!

Is there a good youth development system at Notts? I think Essex has a decent one - we seem to get at least one new prospect per season. Last year we had Rav Bopara, this year Ali Cook and the year before last we had Will Jefferson - not all Essex developed but we can spot 'em!

Our problem is that we've dumped Ilford as a festival ground. It was our way into the London market - and I reckon there's a lot of potential in the East end that will go to Middlesex or Surrey instead due to the proximity of their grounds. Dumping Ilford was a mistake in my opinion.