Rod Bransgrove believes that Hampshire have the best squad of his chairmanship.

Bransgrove took over as chairman seven years ago.

Since then he has driven the move to the Rose Bowl, installed Shane Warne as captain, seen the county win the C & G Trophy and become one of the most exciting sides in the championship.

Hampshire have now added left-handed batsman Michael Lumb and Australia seamer Stuart Clark to their ranks, but Bransgrove is just as excited by the talent emerging from the Hampshire Academy.

He said: "We've always made the point that it's a process, these things take time to come to fruition.

"But Jimmy Adams is now a first team regular and we're seeing other players come through.

"Chris Benham has long been a player of great potential so I'm looking forward to seeing him continue and for James Tomlinson to make his mark.

"I'm sure that there'll be opportuities for Tomo this year.

It'll be good to see another left arm seamer in the Hampshire side, and don't forget players like Greg Lamb, who has improved as a bowler and as a batter".

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