'We must come back fighting like wounded animals this season' says new skipper Mike Burns

Somerset fans could be in for a year to remember in 2003 if the New Year wishes made by their captain Mike Burns come true.

The thirty three year old all rounder, who was the only Somerset player to reach 1000 runs in championship matches last season told me: "We want to get back to winning ways in 2003 and get promotion. We must learn from our mistakes last year and come back fighting like wounded animals this season."

He continued: "Our new signings will make a considerable impact and create fierce competition for places in the side. Having Aaron Laraman, who is a genuine strike bowler, as a fourth seamer will make a big difference and will mean that I have to bowl less overs, and with Nixon McLean in the side we will certainly be able to bowl sides out."

What did he hope for himself I asked. He told me: "I seem to be getting better with every season, so I hope to score more runs this coming season. As captain I want to be in charge of a happy winning side who play to their potential and play with pride in 2003."

Looking forward to the new year Somerset head coach Kevin Shine told me: "We have to draw a line under last season and look forward to 2003. We have acted upon what we feel were our weaknesses and made three very good signings."

He continued: " We know that we have to get back up to the top flights and we are all geared up and ready to go. It's a crime that with the talent that we have got we are playing in the second division."

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "My wish is that the club is like the proverbial phoenix in 2003 and rises from the ashes, rekindling the spirit and the enthusiasm of members and supporters and feed that as an inspiration to the players to deliver exciting cricket for us all to watch."

The Somerset boss concluded: "Win or lose we need to play with passion, enthusiasm and chivalry because teams that adopt those qualities invariably win."