De Lange, Twist and Lester join Danno's Boys
Top all rounder Stephen Twist has joined Blackpool from St Annes
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Paul Danson has been around the Northern League long enough not to make wild predictions; Blackpool captain since taking over from Mark Lomas in 2004 he has made the club one of the most consistent and competitive. They finished fifth in 2010, but their first title since 1990 has eluded the Stanley Park side- could 2011 be the year ?
"The league is certainly wide open this year, it's as competitive as at any time since I've been involved," Danson says. "We've got a good all round side, a good professional and a great team spirit. If we get off to a good start then: who knows ?"
Blackpool's professional for 2011 is the experienced South African all rounder Con De Lange. He plays for the Knights and Free State in South Africa, and is a slow left-arm spinner and an accomplished middle order right-handed batsman. The 29-year-old, is no stranger to playing overseas and has had stints in Northern Ireland and Scotland. He also played several matches for East Lancashire CC in the 2002 Lancashire League campaign.
De Lange becomes Blackpool's fourth South African professional during their 60 years in the Northern League following in the footsteps of Tim Shaw (1986), Deon Kruis (2003) and Justin Kreusch (2004 to 2007). He replaces the outgoing Nimesh Perera as club professional.
Danson said: "Con will be here in good time for the season and can't wait to get here. He's been studying the league and the main players at each club and has really done his homework. Left-arm spinners traditionally do well at Blackpool and we're as excited about him coming here as he is. Con is someone we have chased since Justin Kreusch departed; his all-round abilities added to the present squad should make Blackpool competitive once again."
Blackpool have also pulled off something of a coup in signing the former St Annes all-rounder Stephen Twist, long one of the league's top players. "Stephen is a top player with bat and ball, lives close to the ground and is really looking forward to playing for Blackpool," Danson says.
"We've also signed young Toby Lester, from Fylde CC who is part of Lancashire's plans. He's a talented left arm pace bowler who has been working hard in pre season. He's raw but he's young and keen and could be anything. I'm hoping Toby and Michael Tidmas will really help out Richard Gleeson in the pace bowling department this season."
Gleeson captured 50 wickets in each of the last two seasons and has wintered in Australia. Having made his Cumberland debut in 2010 he will feature in Gary Pratt's plans for the Minor Counties campaign but remains a key part of Danson's armoury.
"Richard did really well for us again in 2010 and is a top performer," Danson adds. "If he gets selected for Cumberland we won't stand in his way as he wants to further his cricket career but he's Blackpool through and through."
On the batting front Danson hopes that John Mounsey and Alex Smith continue to develop their opening partnership with Andy Furniss and Michael Moore also playing key roles. Moore fought back from major leg injuries to hit 475 runs at 34 in 2010 with Mounsey and Smith also going close to the 500-runs mark.
"Alex is a top talent, he hit his first Northern League hundred last year and could be one of the leading batsmen in the league for many years," Danson said. "John and Andy both came out of the Palace Shield and have established themselves in the league and are both great team players with spot-on attitudes. Michael Moore showed tremendous character to fight back from injuries that would have finished lesser mortals.
Steven Mercer who took 34 wickets at 17 .53 in 2010 remains a key player for Blackpool with top wicketkeeping back-up in Robert Sissons and James Smith.
"James has happily stayed at Blackpool after it looked as though he might have to move away for work reasons," Danson added. "In him and Rob we've got the best two 'keepers on the league and it's up to them who gets the job."
The only departure is Andy Hogarth who has moved back to the Palace Shield due to work commitments.
Kevin Reid continues as captain of the Second XI having steered his side to runners-up spot in 2010. "Kev's a winner and has done a great job," Danson says. "He has a good blend of youth and experience in his side and they'll be challenging again."
Alex Smith reaches his maiden 100 for Blackpool against Morecambe in 2010
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