Ford drives Kent forward

18 April 2007

Much will depend on Martin van Jaarsveld, according to Graham Ford © Getty Images

Kent coach Graham Ford has urged his players to break the cycle of mid-table finishes and challenge for the LV County Championship title this season.

Since the competition was split into two divisions, Kent have rarely been in danger of relegation but, apart from finishing runners-up to Warwickshire in 2004, they have also never really troubled the leaders.

“I definitely think we’ve got a chance to go for the championship this season,” Ford said.

“We only have a small squad but if we can keep all our players fit and get off to a good start then we can put pressure on the other sides.

Ford has set his sights on winning some silverware

“We’re relying a lot on the experience of Andrew Hall, Martin van Jaarsveld and Yasir Arafat, but there is no reason why we shouldn’t be up there among the challengers.

“Young Joe Denly will get his chance this season now David Fulton has retired, while Geraint Jones will also be out with a point to prove to the England selectors.”

The South African coach also thinks skipper Robert Key will be better placed with a year’s experience of captaining the side under his belt.

Key made 731 runs at an average of 31 last summer after scoring 1,556 runs at 59.84 in the 2005 championship season.

“Robert had a very tough time last season, but he did well to get the best out of the team,” said Ford.