Mackay shapes Surrey's future

Gus Mackay believes Surrey are "embarking on a new journey" after they suffered relegation in the LV County Championship last season and failed to reach the latter stages of any of the one-day competitions.

This fall-out led to the dismissal of coach Alan Butcher, with Chris Adams being brought in as professional cricket manager.

It also saw the creation of Mackay's own job - management director of Surrey Cricket - having filled the role of chief executive at Sussex for almost two and a half years.

"To have the opportunity I've had is wonderful", he told ECBtv. "I was sad to leave Sussex but to take on this role is exciting and challenging.

"It is the first role of its kind in English cricket and it is exciting because we are a big club and hopefully there's some big things to come. So you had better watch this space."

Mackay was talking at Guildford, which was hosting Surrey's Pembership Greenish Academy squad training session.

He, along with captain Mark Butcher and batting coach Graham Thorpe, went along to see how the Surrey side of the future are shaping up.

"I talk very much about a new journey," Mackay said. "For a club that has got a lot of history in terms of doing well at the top level, we are where we are.

"It is a time to rebuild and look to the future. These are the guys who will help us in this rebuilding phase."

Former Sussex captain Chris Adams will be doing his best to bring trophies back to Surrey

Everyone involved with Surrey knows that 2008 did not go to plan, and they are all keen to start afresh in 2009 with a clean slate.

"The journey starts now," Mackay admitted. "Well, I suppose it started at the end of last season."

"We have made some management changes so we are going to go through the process of a five-year plan.

"We are going to do what we can to make sure that we are developing players who have come from Surrey.

"That goes right the way down to grassroots and making sure the pathway is clear for them."

The head gardener may have his work cut out, but Mackay is keen to involve the coaches at all levels in making sure Surrey become a successful side once more.

"It is very important," he confirmed. "One of the things we are mindful of is the managers or coaches.

"Chris Adams' role is professional cricket manager - making sure that Graham Thorpe and the specialist coaches are around him - so that Chris can use his skills to bring the cricket management team forward, as well as the dressing room.

"What we are trying to create is a culture where there is a knowledgable environment - where the players who are coming through in the first-class arena will know what is expected of them.

"Nights like tonight are good. The captain is down here, Mark Butcher, and guys like Graham Thorpe and Nad (Shahid, 2nd XI coach).

"All the coaches are trying to instill into the youngsters what it means to play for Surrey."

It is not just Surrey whom Mackay has his eye on, though, with England recognition also an important part of the club's future.

"English cricket needs to produce its own players," he said. "And that is really what the academy is about here at Surrey, and, more importantly, what we are trying to do for English cricket."