FLEETWOOD Hesketh skipper Danny Murphy is ‘quietly optimistic’ his five new signings can help his side climb the Love Lane Liverpool Competition Division One table, after narrowly avoiding relegation in 2019.
Ex-Formby all-rounder Sabbir Patel and Southport & Birkdale batsman/wicketkeeper Dean Skelton have joined from the Premier League; Johnny Howard and Jack Sawbridge have been recruited from New Victoria in the Southport & District League; and South African batsman Dave Christie should be arriving too, restrictions permitting.
It’s understandable that Hesketh wanted to freshen things up - they spent much of 2019 staring relegation in the face, before a run of four wins from their last seven enabled them to leapfrog Prestatyn.
“We were quite busy over the winter,” said Murphy. “We've managed to bring five lads in, including the overseas, so we're happy with the work we've done.
“The last full season we had, we struggled, so we've got to not get too carried away.
“Our ambition first and foremost is to consolidate our position in the league but I'd say, with the signings we’ve made, we are quietly optimistic we could do a bit better.”
