BBC man on Lancashire's prospects

by Chris Mallaband
BBC local radio's Lancashire commentator

Moores built his coaching reputation with Sussex

There's a strong feeling of new beginnings at Old Trafford ahead of the new season, after a winter of change both on and off the pitch.

Lancashire's decision not to retain Stuart Law created a captaincy vacancy in early October, with Glen Chapple swiftly appointed to lead the county he has served since 1992.

Two months later, it was announced Mike Watkinson would move from being cricket manager to director of cricket, and that a new first-team coach would be recruited.

At that stage, few people would have put their money on Peter Moores, busy with England duties at the time.

But after his fall-out with Kevin Pietersen resulted in him leaving the England job, Moores applied for the role at the club he watched as a boy - and little over a month after he left the national team, he was unveiled at Old Trafford.

Moores' infectious enthusiasm has clearly already rubbed off on a young squad desperate to end a spell of nine years without a trophy.

With Dominic Cork's departure to Hampshire and Iain Sutcliffe's retirement, there are definite opportunities for some home-grown talents to make their mark.

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The batting will be the key area of focus, after maximum bonus points were only achieved once in the Championship last season.

There will be much hope that proven overseas signings Ashwell Prince and VVS Laxman can bolster the run-scoring capability.

Keep an eye out, too, for rangy pace bowler Oliver Newby.

Off the pitch, after 30 years at Old Trafford, groundsman Peter Marron has decided to move on, with Matthew Merchant taking over the reins.

The plan to redevelop Old Trafford is also already well advanced, after the demolition of a large part of the ground to make way for the construction of a new 1,000-seat conference and events facility.