Glamorgan set to stick with their current squad for 2014 season

Glamorgan boss Hugh Morris has admitted the county are unlikely to make any new signings for next season.

The Welsh county have handed new contracts to star performers Jim Allenby, Michael Hogan, Murray Goodwin and Mark Wallace and also signed South African batsman Jacques Rudolph as their overseas signing for the whole summer.

Glamorgan have also handed new deals to a number of young players with Morris admitting the recruitment drive is probably over.

“As we stand, that’s going to be it,” said Morris.

“We recently announced nine local lads who have signed new contracts and there are a number of talented youngsters in that group who need to be given that opportunity.

“We are down to 19 full-time professionals which might seem a bit thin but I see that as a good opportunity.

“I remember when we won the Sunday League title in 1993, we only used 12 players in the whole of that campaign.

“This gives people a chance and that’s a good thing.”

Former Middlesex and West Indies coach Toby Radford started his role as new Glamorgan head coach role this month.

Radford hinted Wallace would retain the club captaincy for a third successive season but Morris stated a final decision would not be revealed until next month.

“Those decisions are to be discussed which we will be mulling over the next month and we hope to make an announcement this side of Christmas,” said Morris.

“We have several good candidates. Mark has done a good job and is someone who I have admired.

“He is a good cricket man and is a Welshman who is proud of his roots.”

Radford has linked up with Glamorgan legends Steve Watkin and Robert Croft who are part of his coaching staff.

Croft and Watkin were both unsuccessful after applying for Radford’s head coach role but Morris believes the trio can work together.

“Toby has started over the last couple of weeks and has had several meetings with Robert and Steve,” said Morris.

“He is really enthused about this opportunity and his knowledge and experience he has gained with the West Indies over the last couple of years can be put to good use.

“We have two men in Robert and Steve who are players who are club legends and are also good coaches within their own right.

“They should all gel together and look to take the club forward.”

Morris admitted one of his main goals was to develop Welsh talent.

“The cricket club has a long tradition that is based on being Welsh,” added Morris.

“We want to ensure the core of our team have come through our development system and we aim to make Wales proud.

“There are a lot of people who share that vision and it’s a nice opportunity for us to have.

“I have had a meeting with our coaches to see how we scout our talent.

“We have got all the ingredients here with a wonderful facility and some outstanding coaches.”

Morris will not officially start his job as Glamorgan chief executive and director of cricket until January 1.

He is currently in Australia on the eve of the Ashes series finishing off his job as the England managing director.

In his time at the England and Wales Cricket Board, Morris has overseen three consecutive Ashes series victories.

After this campaign Down Under, Morris will hand over the baton to Paul Downton and permanently turn his attentions to reviving Glamorgan.

As a player Morris led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title in 1993 – the county’s first silverware in 29 years – and played an important role in their 1997 County Championship success.

A left-handed opener, Morris scored 19,785 first-class runs, including 53 centuries. He played three Test matches for England.

“I have done a little bit in the last few weeks but perhaps not as much as I would like,” said Morris.

“I have enjoyed meeting the staff at the club and reacquainting myself with Glamorgan.

“It has been a long time since I’ve been here and I’ve been learning about the culture and some of the challenges that lie ahead of us.

“My idea of leadership is getting as many good people on and off the field involved within the club.

“I won’t get my feet under the table until January but this last few weeks has been a bit of recce.

“I am really excited and so are the family.

“It is a great challenge for me and I have already re-acquainted myself with some really good friends.”