Published: Thursday, 15th January, 2009 10:49am

Berks look for new recruit as Johnson quits

by Anthony Smith

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MINOR Counties champions Berkshire are in the hunt for a new professional following Richard Johnson's decision to retire through injury.

The 34-year-old ex-England, Middlesex and Somerset all-rounder will remain on the club's books in a coaching capacity but will be unable to play because of a long-term knee problem.

The news is a blow to Berks as they step up their preparations for the defence of the Minor Counties Championship title.

But manager David Morris is confident a replacement will be found in time: "Richard has had reconstructive surgery on his knee which means his playing days are probably over," he said.

"He'll still be involved with our squad because he has an immense amount of experience, but it means we are forced to look for another professional.

"We have a few irons in the fire but we are not ready to announce anything yet."

Johnson took 23 wickets at 28.17 last season which finished in sensational style when Berks defeated Lincolnshire in two days at Falkland to claim the league title that eluded them for more than 50 years.

The team, under skipper Bjorn Mordt, will hit the winter nets early next month and Morris does not expect to lose any more key members of his squad.

"You don't change a winning team," he declared. "Jon Trower has left to play for Norfolk and Sam Woodward is no longer available due to work commitments, but they were squad players more than anything.

"The regulars all look as though they are staying. Winning the championship together last year has made them a very strong unit and they want to do it again."

Meanwhile, Berks have announced a mouth-watering friendly with Gloucestershire over the Easter weekend.

The two-day match against the first-class county will take place at Falkland CC on April 11 and 12.

After that Morris' side face rivals Wiltshire in the annual Marlborough Cup clash at Thatcham on April 17.

Then, on May 3, Wiltshire will provide the opposition again for Berkshire's opening Minor Counties Cricket Association Trophy tie which takes place at Henley CC.

Berks also plan to stage a showpiece Twenty20 clash against Middlesex at Finchampstead on May 20 after last year's event was cancelled due to rain.