CHAIRMAN Paul Knight has said that everyone involved with Ilminster Cricket Club needs to ‘pull in the same direction’ if it is to continue to be a success on and off the field.

Mr Knight took over the chairman's role from Jim Sainsbury at the club's annual meeting last week and he has told the News that he will be working closely with new vice-chairman Craig Rice.

“Even though I'm chairing the committee, I will be working closely with Craig and, in truth, the titles we have been given will be put to one side,” he said.

“We both want to work to the same goal, so I suppose you could say we are both chairman.

“As far as I am concerned, the whole club is a team and we all need to pull in the same direction. So I will be looking for a lot of effort in the 2013 season by all players, on and off the field.”

Mr Knight said a key aim for the future would be to keep driving the youth section forward.

“We have fantastic coaches at the club who are very committed to the cause and there are already some winter net sessions in progress for the Under-10s and Under-12s,” he said. “It would be great to get some more players playing youth cricket for the county.”

Mr Knight believes a big reason behind the club's success, they are currently in Premier One of the West of England League, is that it boasts great ‘spirit.’ “The club has fantastic spirit and we still remain in Premier One which is a superb effort by captain Sam Spurway and his team,” he said.

“But we can't rest on our laurels and we will be looking for a couple more players to bolster the squad which will in effect strengthen up our other three teams who play in the Somerset League.”

Out-going chairman Jim Sainsbury said he would like to thank everyone who had supported him during his five years in the role. Although he said it would be difficult to thank individuals because there were so many, he paid tribute to John Pallister for his support.