Newly-promoted Essex might be prevented from strengthening their squad with quality players because of a worsening financial plight.
There are widespread rumours that losses into six figures will be disclosed in the club's next set of accounts despite their success on the field.
Next summer, counties are allowed two overseas players. Andy Flower is set to return and Essex are hoping to find a top-class bowler to spearhead an attack that could possibly be without Ashley Cowan for the entire 2003 campaign.
There are now fears that Essex might not be able to afford the £50,000-plus salary that is needed to attract a quality paceman because of a worrying financial situation.
The county have recently dispensed with the services of three key members of their set-up including indoor cricket school chief Norman Bambridge and Essex County Cricket Board treasurer/ scretary Tony Debenham.
But the county are trying to face the difficult task of balancing the books, particularly as they are committed to finding around £200,000 to install floodlights at Chelmsford this winter.
Chief executive David East admitted: "It is looking tough financially for next year.
"But we are battling to get ourselves into a profitable position after the financial disappointments of this year.
"Last year, the Committee made a conscious decision to strengthen the squad and consequently we did invest heavily in players. Broadly speaking, our level of deficit this year will be in line with that level of investment."
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Tuesday October 15, 2002
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