Progress elusive for Glamorgan

Last year 6th, CC Div 2; Group stage, FLt20; 6th in Group B, CB40.

2012 in a nutshell Glamorgan continued to drift in 2012. They started poorly in the Championship, failing to win a game until mid-July, and had it not been for a final-match success against Kent, they would have finished bottom. Their T20 season was blighted by the weather, losing more games - five - to the rain than any other club, while their CB40 campaign never really got going. They won only one of their first six games, with the rain again doing them few favours. To make matters worse, they were unable to retain James Harris, one of the gems of their youth system; Robert Croft, who topped the bowling averages at the age of 42, retired at the end of the season; and they had to deal with the grief of losing a former team-mate, Tom Maynard, in such tragic circumstances. There was little reason for cheer.

2013 prospects At full strength, Glamorgan have a team that could prove tough opposition in the Championship. The arrival of Michael Hogan should significantly strengthen the bowling and if Jim Allenby and Marcus North replicate their 2012 form, Graham Wagg can remain fit and Murray Goodwin can rediscover his form and combine with the reliable Mark Wallace and Stewart Walters, perhaps they could finish in mid-table. But the failure of locally developed player to contribute significantly continues to undermine the team.

Key player Allenby was the leading wicket-taker in the 2012 Championship season as well as being the second-highest run-scorer and won the Cricket Society's award for the leading allrounder in domestic first-class cricket. He also led the side in T20 cricket and remains a key player in all formats.

Bright young thing Mike Reed, a very tall fast bowler, broke into the side at the end of last year and fared well. There is not huge competition for the category at Glamorgan, though, which is a concern.

Captain/coach Wallace, who has a benefit season, will continue to captain the Championship side, with North taking control of the limited-overs teams. Matthew Mott continues as head of elite performance. After two years at the helm, it is hard to ascertain much progress.

ESPNcricinfo verdict The failure to develop local players means the side appears to be longer on experience than it is on England potential. A long-term plan is hard to make out.