Sadler's fond memories

Leicestershire Second XI Coach John Sadler said that coming back through the gates at the Fischer County Ground brought back a flood of happy memories.

The 34-year-old enjoyed a successful playing career with the club, including winning two T20 titles and being part of another two sides that reached Finals Day.

That period between 2003 and 2006 was a golden era of T20 cricket for the Foxes and one that Sadler recalls with glee.

“I had five seasons here as a player and my fondest memories of playing are from Leicestershire,” said Sadler.

“Winning the T20 in 2004 and 2006 are the highlights of my playing career and just coming back in the ground and seeing the photos brings all of those memories back.

“Nobody really knew what to expect in 2003, we didn’t know if it was going to be taken seriously, whether it be a total lottery, or a bit of a hit and a giggle really.

“But our senior players such as Daffy (Philip DeFreitas), Nico (Paul Nixon), Daz (Darren) Maddy and Snapper (Jeremy Snape) sat down and said ‘we’re going to do this properly’ and the group brought into that.

“For the first three or four years we were leading the way, we were head and shoulders ahead of other team. Our planning was superb and it’s no coincidence why we have been the most successful team in its history. It’s just as good now as a tournament and I’m looking forward to being part of it here again.”

The left-hander scored more than 1,000 runs in a season for the Foxes and was also part of a side that took on the Australia side who participated in the amazing 2005 Ashes series. In fact, he got a reminder of that when he drove back into the main entrance on Curzon Road.

“There are too many memories to go through really. The first thing somebody mentioned when I walked back through the gates was being pinned by a Brett Lee bouncer in 2005, so that was good,” he laughed.

“The best memories are from any kind of game where we won. The early T20 nights where they were 4, 5, 6 or 7 people deep, the roar every time we took a wicket… all of that was very special.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here, it feels like I’m returning home to a certain extent and I can’t wait to get started. I enjoyed playing here and now it’s about being part of the next trophy winning team in a different capacity.”

* Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Leicestershire CCC’s Membership packages are on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128 from 9am on Tuesday, January 3.