Paul Horton knows he has to make sure a chastening 2021 can be a positive experience for Sefton Park’s young players.
Thrown in at the deep end, after much of the first team departed during Covid following 2019’s promotion, Park managed just one win and one draw in the Premier Division of the Love Lane Liverpool Competition.
Now, with former Lancashire title winner Horton back at the club where his cricketing journey began, they have to show what they learned - starting today against Highfield.
He said: “It was a tricky season - I think it’s been a tricky couple of years for a lot of cricket clubs.
“It was unfortunate, but Sefton were a different first team from when they got promoted to when they actually played in the Premier Division.
“I think it’s a credit to the lads who were involved, and especially to James Dixon, who was captain last year, that they did what they did without losing morale.
“I found a team that are very together and enjoy each other’s company - it must have been really hard, when they were losing a lot of games of cricket.”
With the exception of Barbadian all-rounder Kemar Smith, none of the first-team regulars from last year have left the club.
Seamer Huzaifa Zubair and leg-spinner Raheem Kasser - along with the tireless Dixon - provided the highlights of 2021 with the ball; with the bat, there weren’t many.
Of the next generation, Horton is particularly excited to see what 2022 holds for the Spilsbury brothers, Leo and Tom, as well as wicketkeeper James Stirling.
Playing in the age groups and through the ranks, as well as for the first XI, the trio between them scored almost 2,500 runs in 130 games last season, with the Spilsburys adding 102 wickets and Stirling 23 dismissals.
If those numbers make you exhausted, join the club - but they make pleasant reading for Horton.
He said: “Any young player needs support around them from senior players, on and off the field.
“Young players are not going to have instant performances or consistent performances.
“My job is to support some of the younger players, as it is for the other senior guys.
“Like any sporting team, you need to make sure you get that balance between youth and seniority.
“The opportunities for these young guys to play will be really good.
“It’s hugely exciting to see them grow and develop - where better to learn their cricket than in a very strong Liverpool Competition?”
