Giles Clarke signs up Ian Botham to lead membership campaign

One of Somerset's all time favourite sons, Ian Botham, has been recruited by the county to spearhead their 2003 membership campaign.

During the Cidermen's long and colourful history Ian Botham, who was born in Cheshire but brought up in Yeovil, is one of the finest players to have graced the turf at the County Ground.

The all rounder arrived at Taunton in 1974 by way of the M.C.C. groundstaff and leapt to fame after winning a Benson and Hedges Cup match against Hampshire almost single handed.

Coming in at 113 for 8 and still requiring 70 runs for victory, the young Botham remained defiant until the end by which time he had lost four teeth to bowler Andy Roberts, but scored 45 not out which included two sixes, to win the match for the county and the Man of the Match Award for himself.

That was just the start of even better things to come, and every time that Ian Botham walked to the wicket or was thrown the ball the crowds expected fireworks, and they were rarely disappointed.

During his thirteen seasons at Taunton, the all rounder played in 172 championship matches, scored 8686 runs, including sixteen centuries, and took 489 first class wickets at an average of 26.52 as well as giving numerous one day match winning performances with both bat and ball.

But it was the style in which he played his cricket that endeared him to his fans and which is still talked about with affection at the County Ground to this day.

Now, thanks to the hard work of new chairman Giles Clarke, the former Somerset player who went onto appear for both Worcestershire and Durham and who is now one of the games most respected television commentators, has agreed to help his old club out.

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "Somerset County Cricket Club chairman Giles Clarke has moved quickly to boost the membership recruitment drive that is now in full swing, and following representation from him, Ian Botham has agreed to his name and image being used in press advertisements publicising the benefits of joining the club."

Chairman Giles Clarke told me: "Like many of my generation Ian Botham was a hero to us and was probably Somerset's best all rounder ever. When I approached him he jumped at the chance because he is really a Somerset man through and through. He wants to help the club and I hope that people will want to follow his lead."

Mr Clarke concluded: "I hope to persuade him to become further involved in the club, but of course like all superstars there is a limit to the amount of time that he is able to give us."

With membership costing as little as £91 until the end of February, to watch 53 days of top class cricket the club are expecting a big response to Ian Botham's campaign and the office will be opening at the County Ground on Saturday mornings throughout this month.

For those living more than sixty miles from Taunton country membership costs just £70.

Further details of membership can be obtained by telephoning 01823 272946.