THIS winter I was asked whether I would write a column for the following summer cricket section in The Bolton News.

Since then I’ve been wondering what approach to take – roving reporter, focus on juniors, interview captains?

Two weeks ago I got the call – “can you write about the trials and tribulations of a third-team skipper?”.

On agreeing, I had to insist on it being called “Sunday team captain”.

My reason was that the word “thirds” has a negative tone to it and I want the team to be run professionally to aid the playing development of the kids, who are the reason I took on the role.

There are three outstanding young talents in the side, and some others who I hope will also provide useful contributions this season.

I started to recruit ex-players, old friends, ageing seniors only to find out two weeks later – through a third party – that we had been kicked out of our league.

I tried to contact the appropriate person at the league but did not get a reply.

So now I’ve got six seniors, five juniors and no league!

After months of trying to get a league to play in we finally managed to gain a place in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

A positive at last!

But wait. Rumours began to circulate about some of my recruits which might hinder their selection – a situation which is yet to be resolved, two weeks before the start of the season.

A couple of months ago we had a cricket meeting where it was decided five or six of last year’s successful second team would be moving up to the firsts.

That meant three of the talented boys I had identified for my team would now be in a youthful seconds.

This put a spanner in the works as playing in the second team on Saturdays, under-13s on Sunday mornings and in my team on Sunday afternoons could not help their development, only hinder it.

One of the lads said he would play in all three, and umpire the under-9s on a Monday – a great offer but I’ve seen too many players burned out by the age of 16 or 17 through playing too much and losing the love of the game.

Our selection committee will have to manage the situation accordingly as the season goes on.

To make matters worse I became aware GMCL rules require that 16 senior players should be starred as not being available for selection for Sunday league matches.

Where will it all end? Oh wait, it hasn’t even started yet!

So far this winter I have had to take on the role of club rep, talent scout, sponsor recruitment officer, media contact, guidance councellor, spouse mediator, teacher and friend.

Despite it all though I can’t wait for the season to begin.