Fans help with Maher return

Jimmy Maher © Getty Images

Glamorgan have signed Australian batsman Jimmy Maher for the coming season thanks to cash backing from fans.

Maher, 33 next week, is currently captain of Queensland, and will join the county in mid-May. He also spent the 2001 and 2003 seasons at Glamorgan.

Supporters stepped into help sign him after the club decided at the end of last season that they would not recruit an overseas player for 2007.

Chief Executive Mike Fatkin explained: "It's common knowledge that we're going through a major ground redevelopment programme at Sophia Gardens at the moment and we made no secret of our intention to run without them this summer.

“Thanks to offers of financial support from several of our strongest supporters, including a significant contribution from Dr James Hull, we've been able to review that policy and recruit Jimmy.

“It will give everyone at the club a real boost as the season approaches."

Maher said: “I'm grateful for the opportunity and as well as intending to make a big contribution on the field, I'm just as keen to play my part in helping develop a team for the future."