IPPLEPEN are on the hunt for a new senior coach as they begin final preparations for the 2017 season.

Responsibility for leading adult training at the club has been shared around in recent seasons, with a number of the club's coaches and senior players chipping in alongside various overseas players.

Club officials feel having a regular face planning and leading training will give a boost to energy and enthusiasm levels in 2017. 

No-one within the club has the time to put into the role full time so the search is being widened to any interested parties in the area.

The club are not limiting their search to qualified coaches, but are looking for a positive voice with good organisational skills, who is willing to lead sessions every week.

Keith Wakeham, who has taken on the new role of club captain having stood down as 1st XI skipper at the end of last season, said finding the right person isn't easy.

“A few years ago we had a hugely experienced overseas player-coach in Jamie Watkins, who took training by the scruff of the neck,' said Wakeham.

“Jamie got the whole adult section practicing each week with intensity and purpose. We had upwards of 25 players training and the sessions were not just productive but great fun. 

“Since his departure, we have never quite managed to recreate the same atmosphere and therefore we need another confident character to come in and get everyone going again. 

“That doesn't need to be a qualified coach, just someone who can organise a session and who understands decent-level adult cricket.”

The club has decided to tighten their financial belts and therefore the position is being advertised as a purely voluntary one. However, Wakeham does not feel that will negate all interest in the role.

“We don't have the budget to pay anyone for coaching, but we can offer the opportunity to work with a great set of players in a friendly, family-orientated club,” said Wakeham.

“It could be a great chance for a young coach to make their mark and get a foot on the adult coaching ladder, or for a senior player who is reaching the end of their playing career to put something back into grassroots cricket.”

One benefit to any prospective new coach or player will be the club's refurbished artificial nets, which were renovated during the winter thanks to fundraising, which generated nearly £2,000 in donations. 

Finishing touches will be put to the new-look nets during the club's CricketForce day on Saturday, April 1.

Indoor nets have been booked at Teign School this Sunday (March 26) and April 2 (6-7.30pm).

Outdoor training will start in early May on Thursday evenings at the same times at the club's Moor Road ground.

Anyone interested in the coaching role, or potential new players interested in training with Ipplepen, should contact Wakeham on 07540 053 489 or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipplepen/ for more information.