Kent job an ambition realised for Tredwell

By Mark Pennell

James Tredwell has now enjoyed his first day in his “dream job” after being named as Kent’s captain for 2013 in succession to Rob Key, who stood down after seven years at the helm.

The left-handed batsman, England off-spinner and specialist slip fielder admitted it is a post to which he has always aspired. He said: “You dream of this job I guess, you never truly think it will happen, but when the time did come there was very little hesitation on my part.

“Of course, I’m a family man these days and have a wife and child to consider. But my wife is very understanding and realises this was an opportunity that I really wanted and needed to take. After all, you’re not likely to be asked to do this job too often.

“Kent has a hugely rich tradition and it is a massively proud day for me. It is slightly daunting, when you consider the history of the club, but I’m seeing it as a great challenge and the next step of my career. Hopefully I’ll do the job justice.”

With a father, John, who is a former Kent League stalwart with Ashford and Folkestone, and mother Rosemary, who watches and supports her son on a near daily basis when he plays at the St Lawrence Ground, Tredwell’s appointment will be a popular one among supporters and within the county.

Tredwell added: “I let them know about it last Friday. They come and watch me virtually every day of the season and obviously they’re massively proud. They were beaming when they came around to babysit for us this morning.”

As for his on-field support, he added: “To draw on Rob Key’s nous and experience will be invaluable and it’s good timing for me that we have some good young lads coming through.
 
“I imagine there will be times when I can no longer be the quietest voice in the dressing room. I will have a different style to Bob (Key), but that’s the beauty of the role - I can grow into it and add my own slant on how it’s done.

“There will be challenges other than when to bring myself on to bowl and when to take myself off, but I have plenty of experienced people around me for advice. I’m very excited by what lies ahead and really looking forward to getting on with things now.

“We have decent strength in the squad. Of course we will have a chat about things, where we think we might need to strengthen, but at this moment in time I’m more than happy to work with what we have if needs be, because, like any club right now, finances are tight.”

Tredwell is also a quick learner when it comes to the ambassadorial aspects of his job. Perhaps, through his England media training, he has already learned how to dodge the occasional question, such as who he would like to appoint as his vice-captain.

While his brother-in-law and former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones remains the firm favourite, Tredwell gave little away in adding: “I still have personal ambitions about playing for England and missed a few Kent games last season on international duty.

“So the vice-captaincy role, the job of holding the fort when, or maybe I should say if I’m away with England, is an important one. I have my own thoughts on the candidates, but I will have to sit down sometime soon with the cricket committee and talk it through.”




Date: 20/11/2012 07:00:00 by Mark Pennell
In: Today | Kent |