CREWE have added experience to their young squad in a bid to regain Premier status.
Aamer Iqbal and Shahid Khan, both in their 30s, have arrived to underpin the club's promotion drive, while talented all-rounder Matt Dawson has returned from Murray Smith League club Bollington.
Iqbal, 30, replaces Indian all-rounder Navdeep Singh as the club's new professional and he arrives with plenty of pedigree. He has more than 2,500 first-class runs to his name and averaged 55 for Pakistan Defence Housing Authorities last season.
Iqbal is relishing the challenge of playing in England for the first time and will also offer bowling variation with his off-spinners.
Compatriot Khan, 36, is an English-qualified off-spinner who enjoyed success with Birmingham League side Himley. He played first-class cricket with Faisalabad and is a prolific wicket taker and a useful batsman.
Dawson, 23, will be a welcome addition with bat and ball and picked up around 70 wickets and scored more than 700 runs during his time with Bollington.
Former vice-captain Jo Boyle is back in contention after a year out, but opening batsman Neil Hurst's appearances will be limited as he has moved to the North East.
On the outgoing side, father and son Stuart and Chris McLeod have joined Haslington.
Richard Marsh will continue as captain with Mike Holt taking on the vice-captain's responsibilities for the first time.
Marsh said: 'We hope to make a strong promotion challenge but we need more from our younger players. They have to start realising their potential. We want the likes of Nick Lange and Tom Gower to be scoring an extra 200 runs this season.'
Martin Webb will lead the Seconds with Chris Lange acting as vice-captain, while Ken Lockwood will captain the Thirds with Anthony Warburton his vice-captain.
Outdoor nets are held on Thursdays for seniors and Fridays for juniors, starting at 6.15pm. Further details from Dave Long (01270 628278) or Graham Hurst on (01270 625822).
