O'Brien thanks Members for support

Niall O’Brien can feel a hugely positive vibe around Grace Road as the club prepares for the new season.

Leicestershire’s left-hander has been an extremely consistent performer since making the move from Northamptonshire ahead of the 2013 season and will again be joined at Grace Road by his brother Kevin, who will play for the Foxes in white ball cricket.

The club has seen a good number of Membership sign-ups and renewals ahead of the 2016 campaign and O’Brien personally thanked Members for their support in exciting sporting times for the region.

“It’s great to see so many people signed up as Members already, and we really want to give everybody something to shout about this season,” said O’Brien.

“I am extremely confident that the Leicestershire County Cricket Club faithful will get some good cricket to watch after a good season thus far from their football, rugby and basketball sides.

“I have a real belief that it’s going to be a successful one for us both in white ball cricket and 4-day cricket. The club has got great history and prestige and it’s up to the players to do the job on the pitch.

“We’ve got great backing off the field too from the Chairman and the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive and Members and supporters, who are really getting behind what we’re trying to do as a group of players.”

O’Brien is looking forward to linking up with Leicestershire’s new signings including Neil Dexter, a good friend from his time at first county Kent.

He said: “The three new batsmen coming in can all see the change of the culture for the club, and it’s all for the better.

“Neil Dexter is actually an old housemate of mine from our days at Kent when we were both whippersnappers and I’m looking forward to spending some time with Dex (Neil Dexter) and his lovely wife Cay. He’s looking forward to Leicestershire life and living in a village.

“Horts (Paul Horton) is an established opening batsman in first-class cricket and I’m sure that he’ll do really well for us. It will be good for Angus Robson to have a regular opening partner as he’s had a lot over the last couple of years. To have a solid opening pair will be very helpful.

“Mark Pettini is a very good player, especially in white ball cricket, and he’ll bring a lot of experience and skill to our batting order. Our white ball chances are also increased with Umar Akmal returning for T20 and my brother Kevin coming back for both forms of the game.

“On the bowling side, Clint, Charlie and Ben led the attack really well and we have some good young bowlers too who will be back from injuries.”

* If you have not yet joined us as a Member, Leicestershire CCC has a wide range of options to suit your cricketing needs ahead of the 2016 season. To download our brochure, please click HERE