LANCASHIRE's new coach Dav Whatmore asked Red Rose fans today not to turn the search for the elusive title into a millstone.

"It hasn't taken long for me to realise how important it is to them," he admitted

"I've only been here a few days and already I've heard so much about the fact that we have not won the title since 1934," he said.

"Everyone is asking me about it. But I don't want it to weigh too heavily on me or the team. I'm sure they are as well aware of the expectations here - I certainly am. There is a goal, and we will try to achieve it, but first I have to speak to a number of people on the best way to get there.

"Obviously I have my own ideas - very much so. But I am new to English County cricket, and if others point out flaws in my thinking, then I will have to reconsider. Certainly I will be listening hard to what people have to say, especially the captain, Mike Watkinson, and the senior players."

Whatmore will spend the week settling into his suburban flat before meeting Watkinson and cricket committee chairman, Geoff Ogden.

Whatmore's appointment, filling the gap left by David Lloyd, gives Old Trafford a real Australian flavour with his former Test colleague Peter Sleep in charge of the second team. It means players will find themselves in a highly competitive atmosphere, with chances for Second X1 youngsters to push their way into the senior side.

"It is a massive challenge for me," Whatmore added. "I always wanted to play county cricket but I never got over here. Now I've got this chance to coach some of the best players in the country and I'm looking forward to it."

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