Nadeem keen to wipe away ‘memories of last season’
Slough CC: Fresh start for Slough following their relegation last summer and the skipper is aiming high
Slough Cricket Club captain Nadeem Syed is keen to wipe the slate clean as he looks to guide the club back up from Home Counties Division 2 at the first attempt this season.
Just about everything that could go wrong last season did go wrong as the team fell into a rut of form and low confidence which eventually led to their relegation from Division 1.
However, they've shown in recent seasons they can compete at the level above, while they also showed an excellent consistency in claiming promotion the last time they were playing in Division 2.
This close season they've added a few new faces and go into the campaign with a fresh slate off the back of some impressive winter nets practice and decent pre-season form.
Nadeem is looking forward to the challenge of turning the club into promotion contenders once more after what was a season to forget last summer on pretty much every front.
“We had a tough season last year, and there were multiple reasons for it,” he said. “But ultimately, we didn't play well, so that's why we were relegated. “That's the truth of it.
“But the team is looking good. We've got some good, young talent who will reinforce the side this year and there's a good buzz around the group. “Everyone is looking forward to it.” With near neighbours Stoke Green having moved up from the Thames Valley Leagues last season, Division 2 is likely to be competitive in 2024. Nadeem's side get their campaign underway at home to Amersham on Saturday, and a good start could well be crucial to their hopes of putting their name in the frame for promotion.
“To get a few wins under your belt at the beginning of the season is so important,” said Syed. “It's so nice to get that and you're not chasing the pack. Having said that, you still need to take one game at a time and try not to think too far ahead.
“It's a new start. We need to wipe away the memories of last year. We had a bad run of form, injuries, we had people being banned. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
“That's what I've said to this team. It's a fresh start, a new season, you've got everything to play for. We have some new lads who'll be looking to play a higher level of cricket, so this is everything for them to showcase their skills and talent. If they go into the league with that spirit, I'm sure we'll be in a good place.”
Syed believes all the teams in Home Counties Division 2 will be aspiring to go to Division 1 and, while Slough are coming into the summer off the back of a difficult campaign, he says they're no different.
The club have brought in a wicketkeeper/batsmen from India KV Sidharth, who has been a prolific run scorer on the Indian domestic circuit.
“We will give our best to challenge,” he said. “I would say there are only three individuals left (from the last time Slough were promoted). It's a pretty new team. Having said that, they are very talented players and I'm confident they will shine through.
“There are a lot of good teams and there will be plenty of competition, but all I can say is that we'll be up for it. We've prepared well and now we just need to execute well.
“KV is a wicket-keeper batsman and a prolific run scorer in India. It's his first time coming to the UK but we're very excited to have him on board and he's already enthused us with his energy and enthusiasm in the training sessions.”
Slough start at home to Amersham this Saturday.
“Every club will have made changes and tried to strengthen their squad, that's what every club does,” added Nadeem. “So, we'll see how they shape up, they've got some very good players, but so do we, so it's going to be a very good game.