Dave Tiller returns to his Southsea roots for 2002

Dave Tiller, Portsmouth's leading wicket-taker for eight of the past nine seasons, is returning to his old roots to play Hampshire League cricket with Southsea this coming season.

An economical right-arm fast-medium pace bowler Tiller, 28, captained Portsmouth only three seasons ago but missed the second half of last summer after breaking his collar bone in a fielding accident.

His part company with Portsmouth after a verbal outburst at club policy in the local newspaper. He played little subsequent part in Portsmouth's Premier Division 2 title success.

Tiller's return to Southsea, where he began his club career as a lanky, raw teenager, is looked upon a significant boost for the St James's club, who are anxious to feature among the County Division 1 promotion contenders during the coming season.