2020 ANNUAL REPORT

MINUTES OF THE 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 51 the players for the unique challenges of the first few weeks of the County Championship and that it was one example of how the club meticulously looked at every aspect of its pre- season with fresh eyes that winter. Mr Newell concluded by reaffirming that 2019 was a huge disappointment on the field and that a great deal had been done during the winter, geared towards putting that right for 2020. Mr Newell explained that the club couldn’t promise results or trophies, but could guarantee that everyone from the coaching staff to the players would give their all to make the forthcoming season a much better one. Nottinghamshire Head Coach, Peter Moores, addressed the meeting and expressed his excitement at commencing the pre-season training block. He reflected on a season of inconsistency and poor performances in First-Class cricket. He stated an ambition to make the members proud of the manner in which Nottinghamshire approached their cricket. He hoped recent signings would quickly adapt to the pressure of representing Nottinghamshire, while building resilience and gaining a greater understanding of how to adapt to the rigours of the season. Losing a number of highly experienced cricketers and replacing them with younger players with high potential would take time. He thanked MattWood for the changes he had made to the pathway and academy system in support of the club’s aims. Mr Moores stated that the game was changing fast and players had more choice and opportunity than ever before. He also felt that he had more clarity than ever before of the members’ expectations of the team and the fabric of the club. He revealed that homegrown players Liam Patterson-White and Joey Evison were furthering their experience, playing in New Zealand and with England’s Under 19s respectively. Ms D Peasey stated that England’s performance in Cape Town turned their recent tour of South Africa around and that Nottinghamshire could learn from their commitment. Mr J Lee asked how long Mr Moores thought it would take to get things right on the pitch. He also requested a comment on the principle of signing players from other counties. Mr Lee further asked whether there was regret over the departures of Brett Hutton, Matt Milnes and Luke Wood. Mr Moores stated that developing players can take five to six years and that there was no quick fix in rela- tion to building a successful team. Mr Moores further explained that the club worked hard with young cricketers and that the intention was to produce homegrown players as much as possible. Mr Moores stated that he felt regret and frustration whenever a player was offered a contract and chose to go elsewhere, but understood that the decision was theirs alone. All three of the players referred to had been offered a new contract with the club. Mr D Parker asked whether Dwaine Pretorius had been a target and whether the club held a view on Kolpak signings. He also asked