Langer longing

For more than one reason Steve Rhodes is hoping for a greater degree of continuity at New Road in 2006. At the end of a season that he describes as "depressing" the head coach was not looking for excuses but the revolving door that has seen coaches and overseas players coming and going could hardly fail to affect performances. Defeat by Lancashire on the final day of the season meant relegation in the totesport League and second division cricket in both forms of the game next summer.

The first area in which Rhodes would like continuity regards his own job. He was promoted to head coach when Tom Moody left for Sri Lanka in June, with the understanding that a director of cricket would be appointed in October. "The role that I've been filling this season was basically the same as Tom was doing before, so I hope that they give me the job because all I want to do is coach this club," says Rhodes.

If he is in charge next season, Rhodes would hope to recruit overseas players whose services could be guaranteed for a season. Justin Langer is their prime target; Glenn McGrath is not returning. "We've had lots of disruption with overseas players this year, so it would be good to have someone for a full season," says Rhodes.

McGrath had made noises about a second stint at New Road following his stunning performance in the first Test but subsequent injury troubles forced a rethink..

Player of the Year Ben Smith who, freed from the shackles of captaincy, contributed 1,477 Championship runs, including six centuries.
High The early-season Championship form that brought four victories in their first seven matches; only one further victory followed in their last nine.
Low Maintaining top-flight status in the totesport League would have salvaged something from their season but a woeful collapse to 111 all out against Lancashire sealed their fate.