Topp's off but Campbell's keen

And despite losing spinner Chris Topp to Sussex Division Two neighbours Bexhill, Read is optimistic for the 2005 season.

Read said: "Thoughts are already turning to next season when the squad should have an excellent blend of really promising youngsters and proven experienced cricketers. On the subject of overseas players we are in discussions with Aussie Matt Love who was here in 2003 and West Indian Test cricketer Sherwin Campbell, who is keen to play. If either of these guys play then we will continue to remain competitive and compete for the title once again."

"The first I heard was when I got a call from the paper asking me for a comment on Chris leaving, which was a very disappointing way to find out. From a team perspective it is a blow as he is a good all round cricketer. On a player front, hopefully the evergreen Mick Glazier will continue to bowl as well as in previous years and it will give someone else an opportunity to secure a first team place, of which there are many who came in and filled various gaps last year when others threw the towel in."

Bexhill's vice captain Hamish Russell said: "To get a player of his calibre from Hastings shows the intentions that we've got. He will almost certainly be among the leading bowlers in the division and, to be quite honest, I expect him to be one of the leading all-rounders. I expect him to take 35 or 40 wickets without even breaking a sweat.

"In five years time I see Bexhill being back as a force in Sussex cricket again. I'm convinced that we can be in the Premier League within two or three seasons."