CLACTON Cricket Club manager Gary Kirk insists his side’s philosophy will not change, despite preparing to play at a higher level this season.

The Seasiders have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship and raise the curtain on their division two campaign at Ipswich on Saturday.

It promises to be a much harder season, after winning the division four and three titles in successive years.

However, Kirk says his approach will remain the same – to build the strongest possible squad with the best local talent.

“The whole club is looking forward to the season ahead and we’ve kept our squad together, which is always the most important thing,” said the Seasiders stalwart.

“We’ve enjoyed two promotions, which we’re extremely proud of, and we’ve done so with local players.

“Division two will bring a lot of new challenges, playing teams that we haven’t visited for a long time.

“The club’s philosophy won’t change, despite the tougher opposition, and I’m certain our club will get stronger as a result. We’ve got a lot more games on Sundays, plus the addition of a Twenty20 format.

“Sundays, in particular, will be for our younger players to develop their skills in adult competitive cricket and this is vital for the future of both them and the club.”

Kirk believes the development and integration of more young players into the senior set-up is pivotal to the Seasiders’ future.

And he insists that by nurturing the best young and local talent, his club can be something to make the whole of Clacton proud.

“We’re still very much in a rebuilding phase and so will be putting a lot of emphasis into getting younger people playing cricket,” he said.

“We’ll be doing this by offering taster sessions, kwik cricket, beach cricket and, of course, by running two teams in the local competitions.

“We’re determined to provide the opportunity for everyone to represent the town - something to be very proud of.

“We’re always looking for new players, young and old, and will make everyone welcome.”

After Ipswich, Clactotn’s first home game is against Easton on April 23. They then go to Dunmow before beginning May with a home match against Mildenhall.

Clacton’s first free taster session of the new season will be April 23, between 2pm and 4pm, at their Vista Road base.

For more information, or to register an interest in joining, contact Kirk via iftgk@aol.com