Essex might not have the most gifted set of cricketers in the country - but they are likely to be among the fittest when the new season starts in April.

Although the players are not due to officially report back for this summer's campaign until the beginning of March, those who are not already playing overseas can be found at the indoor nets at Chelmsford being put through the mill by head coach Graham Gooch and John Childs, his assistant.

They have been turning up on a voluntary basis since the start of the year to attend what the new coaching duo describes as workshops. "It's not just about nets," explained Gooch.

Mission - Graham Gooch Picture: ELISE GOW 74FT638C

"Soon after last season ended we sat down with each player to set out a plan best suited to individual needs.

"Now we review their development and hold discussions with them on a regular basis. As well as passing on our expertise it's vitally important to get their views and input as to the best way forward into making them better players."

"I am not going into the forthcoming season promising promotion," he said. "My top priority is to create an environment where everyone is enjoying their cricket again.

"I understand that hasn't exactly been the case in the last season or so.

"Because I was involved in media work before accepting this job, I hadn't seen too much of Essex. But people told me that out in the middle we often looked like a side that wasn't enjoying the game. And that's something I find difficult to understand - and want to put right.

"I firmly believe if players are happy in the job they do -- and they should consider it an honour to be earning a living from being a professional sportsman -- there's a fair chance that success will follow.

"But I can only do so much to help turn them into better players. In fact, 95 per cent is up to the individual. When a game starts I can't go out in the middle for them.

"If players want to succeed they have to possess the desire and dedication, be prepared to expand their game and change their technique if that is the way forward. It's early days but I've been encouraged by what I've seen so far."

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002