Chapple stays in charge

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Glen Chapple will lead Lancashire for a fifth straight season, the club have announced.

The seam-bowling all-rounder, who will be 39 next campaign, will head the Red Rose’s attempt to return to LV= County Championship’s top flight at the first opportunity in his 22nd season at Old Trafford.

Glen Chapple, centre, will lead a young squad with Simon Kerrigan, right, the main spinner after the experienced Gary Keedy departed

Chapple, who steered Lancashire to the Division One title last year, said: "I'm delighted to be captain during what will be my fifth season in the role. We'll be working hard, as always, during the winter to ensure that we progress in all competitions."

Head coach Peter Moores added: "Glen's experience as captain over the last four years puts him in the ideal position to lead the team back into the first division. He has the respect of all the players and support staff and his commitment to the job is as strong now as when he was first appointed."

Chapple will have to cope without the services of three senior bowlers who played for the county this year: Loan signing Ajmal Shahzad has joined Nottinghamshire, Gary Keedy has moved to Surrey and Sajid Mahmood has been released.

However, Chapple will have academy products Alex Davies, Gavin Griffiths, Arron Lilley and Luis Reece at his disposal after they signed professional contracts last month.

Cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "Glen has the quality and fitness to lead by example. He will oversee a young squad in 2013 and his experience will be crucial as we look forward to a successful campaign in both championship and one-day cricket."

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