New Head Coach Kevin Sharp says producing home grown talent remains key to Worcestershire’s future – but being “flexible” about bringing in a player who would enhance the squad is also important.
Sharp knows all about the conveyor of young players stepping up into the senior squad through overseeing and working with them during his previous role as Second Eleven-Batting Coach.
He believes such a successful system is highly regarded within the game and nine or 10 Academy products often featured in the first team last summer.
But Sharp says being prepared to consider adding in to the mix a quality performer who would strengthen the squad should also be looked at.
He said: “Look there were nine or ten players on that field last season who came through our system and that’s an envy actually of a lot of counties.
“I think the ECB think highly of the way we have produced our own players.
“We’ve looked to produce our own players and I would never, ever want that situation to change.
“But, if it means just at times there is a tweak, and perhaps there is a player out there who’s a fine player who would fit this club and strengthen the squad, let’s be flexible in thinking we can do that as well.
“I think Elliot Wilson runs a fantastic Academy, all the coaches support that, we’ve got a fine coaching and support staff team, and we would always want that to continue.
“We would always look to give the opportunities from within yet knowing, with a strong squad, you have got to have performed to get that opportunity.
“What we want to do is strengthen this squad in the right places that are going to give the players a) a challenge of getting into the team – but b) knowing they’ve got guys around them of proven ability that will help us sustain the performances that we will need to produce.”
