"This Group Can Achieve Great Things" | Holland Excited For Foxes Future

Ian Holland believes Leicestershire can achieve ‘great things’ in the coming seasons, after the all-rounder put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Uptonsteel County Ground last week.

The 33-year-old made the permanent switch to Grace Road on Wednesday following a highly successful loan spell with the Foxes during the 2024 campaign. Now, he’s set his sights on helping the Club secure further silverware.

“The Club is clearly on an upwards trajectory,” he says. “The group has already tasted success winning the One Day Cup and there’s a natural expectation now that we can win games and compete at the business end of competitions.

“I’m excited to add value to what’s already been building. There’s no reason why this group can’t achieve great things in the next few years. It feels an exciting time for the Club.”

The first move of his county career, Holland’s transition into the changing room has been described as ‘seamless’ by Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson. It’s a sentiment Holland echoes.

“It’s a brilliant squad to integrate into. There’s nobody that doesn’t fit into the group. There’s great connectiveness, so it’s a pleasure to be a part of the Foxes permanently.” One of the most experienced players in the dressing room, Holland is embracing the seniority.

“It’s been a nice change for me coming into a group as one of the older members, bringing experience and helping guys develop where I can. There’s some exceptional young talent here, as we’ve seen with Josh getting selected for England and guys like Rehan who have played Test cricket at a very young age.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in county cricket for a few years now and I’ve always admired the senior players that set an example. Now, I’ve taken that baton. I want to be a good teammate and set a good example to the younger guys.”

Holland is already leading from the front, quite literally. He’s assumed the unique roles of opening both the batting and the bowling in Championship and List A cricket for Leicestershire “ enjoying a considerable degree of success.

He scored his maiden Foxes hundred in the recent draw with Gloucestershire, while he’s picked up 19 wickets across formats since his arrival.

“There’s been no shortage of opportunities,” he admits. “Fonz has given me a lot of responsibility, so I’m trying to put my best foot forward and help get the team in good positions from the off.

“It’s been nice to get stuck in at the top, particularly with my batting. I’ve felt reinvigorated with the new role and the trust that comes with it. Hopefully, I can put in those kinds of performances consistently and we can win some more games before the end of the year.”

Holland credits the Leicestershire coaching staff for his flourishing form. “The coaching setup is great. I worked with Fonz previously at Hampshire and it’s been brilliant to reconnect. Titch (James Taylor) has been great as well. I really like his coaching style and we’ve had some great conversations. I think he’s someone that can help me to keep getting better.”

As well as the support from inside the changing room, Holland cites the Leicestershire fans’ backing as a major contributing factor to his new lease of life in the East Midlands. He’s now targeting a ‘fortress’ in the form of Uptonsteel County.

“The fans have been great. I’ve really enjoyed how passionate they are, following us up and down the country. It’s (Uptonsteel County Ground) a great place to play cricket. Hopefully we can keep putting in good performances to get as many people in Leicestershire along and build it into a fortress where people fear playing against us. I’m really excited to call it home for the next few years.”

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