Fleming praises coach's role

The Nottinghamshire captain Stephen Fleming praised coach Mick Newell as the man responsible for helping him lead the side to their first English county title for 18 years.

Fleming set up a 214-run win to wrap up the silverware for Notts by brokering a last-day deal for a winning formula, with his opposite number Dave Fulton, in a rain-affected top-of-the-table match against Kent at Canterbury.

After watching Andrew Harris complete the job with a season's best six for 76 to bowl Kent out for 205, Fleming drew attention to the contribution of Notts stalwart Newell who was a member of the team which won the last title in 1987.

"Mick is a very good manager. He is great behind the scenes with the players, making sure everything is in place. He has worked hard to create this side, and I have come in at the end - which is great."

Fleming convinced Fulton to set up an unlikely chase for the hosts via an overnight declaration. Kent, enticed by the carrot which gave them just the slightest shot at a victory which would prolong their own improbable title ambitions, agreed to allow Notts to go in again and contrive a target of 420 to win in 70 overs.

"We were desperate to get a proper game in and try to get a result. We came up with something very steep but which we knew they would probably have to have a go at, because it was their only chance."

Fleming was also full of praise for the reliability of his side in all departments. "It is a signature of this team that our bowling unit each have around 50 wickets, and the batsmen are very consistent too," he said. "When you get confident cricketers like we have there is always a good chance you might go and do something and maybe win a trophy."