Horton ready for big season

Leicestershire batsman Paul Horton has lots of experience in the professional game but is preparing for a totally new challenge in 2016.

While Horton has seen and done most things in a distinguished first-class career in which he almost averages 40, he is yet to represent another English county other than Lancashire.

That will change when he takes to the field for Leicestershire and when he does, Horton will also be having an influence as vice captain of the four-day side.

The 33-year-old was given that role when Leicestershire’s leadership group was announced and it was something that he didn’t have to think twice about.

“There’s an element of excitement when you move to a new club because everything is different,” said Horton. “I am loving coming in for training and working on my game individually with different people who are making their own assessments on me.

“Variety is the spice of life, and the move has given me a new lease of life, which I am really taking to. My job now is to repay the faith shown in me by Leicestershire County Cricket Club by scoring a shedload of runs.

“I didn’t come here to become a captain or vice captain but I think when you’re offered any sort of leadership role in a group, it would be hard to turn down. It’s an honour to be thought of in a way to be given responsibility, particularly at a club that I haven’t played a game for yet.

“But it’s not a single person that’s leading this club forward. Mark Pettini is coming in to lead the one-day and T20 sides and Clint McKay is somebody who has played at the highest level. Clint has just won the Big Bash with the Thunder.

“We have Mark Cosgrove leading the four-day team with me helping, so there’s a wide variety of leadership that gives us a broad spectrum across all three formats.”

Horton is now looking forward to working alongside Cosgrove after having plenty of battles against him over the years. Forming new relationships is part of a challenge that appeals to Horton, who knows his role is to provide leadership as well as amassing runs at the wicket.

“We have had some good contests over the years,” said Horton. “We’re all in the business to win games, not make friends, when we cross the white line so I’ll now be playing against people I played with, and vice versa. That’s just part of the game.

“Mark is a very good cricketer and I am looking forward to working with him. It will be an interesting dynamic because it’s a new guy for me to work with.

“He knows the team inside out having played here last season, while I am still getting to know people and how they operate, and they are still getting to know me. So I think it will work well with Mark as captain and me working alongside him as vice captain.

“The squad is young and developing and the addition of the three guys, including myself, has counterbalanced that. You sometimes forget how young some of our cricketers are in their cricketing experiences and development.

“There’s a lot of talent that hasn’t been unearthed and I know that it’s my role not only to perform out in the middle, but also to help the younger guys reach their undoubted ability along with the other senior players.”

That will be music to the ears of Leicestershire Members and followers, who are getting behind the club ahead of the new season. It’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Horton and the players, who are appreciative of the support.

He said: “It’s encouraging to see so many Members sign up and with floodlights here for the NatWest T20 Blast, it’s going to be a great summer. I know that the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road can be a difficult ground to come to as an opponent, so I’m looking forward to playing here as a Leicestershire player.

“The more people we have coming to games the better, so I’d encourage as many people to get down here over the summer as possible. We’re determined to drive the club forward and we’d love you to be a part of that.

“It’s an exciting time for the city of Leicester, I went to the King Power Stadium the other week to see Liverpool, who I support. I was impressed with what I saw from the Foxes and to be top of the table at this stage is a special achievement. It’d be great to build on their momentum.” 

* The best way to watch Leicestershire County Cricket Club during the 2016 season is through our great value Membership packages. Prices start from £10 for under 16s in our Charlie Fox Club, £60 for students and under 22s, £115 for seniors and £140 for adults. For more information, please follow the link HERE or call 0116 245 2401.