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Last Updated: Saturday, 22 September 2007, 11:20 GMT 12:20 UK
Maynard hopeful of Jones decision
Simon Jones
Simon Jones is yet to make a decision on his future
Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew Maynard says the Welsh county are still hopeful of signing bowler Simon Jones.

Jones, 28, is out of contract with Glamorgan, making him a free agent, and has lost his England central contract.

The bowler did attract interest from Hampshire and was last week in talks with Worcestershire, but Maynard is confident he will re-sign.

"It is the biggest decision he will make and I am hopeful he will sign for Glamorgan," said Maynard.

"Obviously he is out of contract, so he can talk to any county. He has had talks with Worcestershire."

Glamorgan have recently secured the services of former England physio Dean Conway and Maynard hopes that will sway Jones' decision.

The overall team performance you would have to say has been disappointing

Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew Maynard

He said: "Simon understands he needs to be fit and we feel we can help him to do that.

"The resources here are second to none and we have secured the services of Dean Conway and he will help Simon get as fit as he is ever likely to be.

"Ultimately it is the biggest decision he will have to make in his career and I hope for his sake that he makes the right one."

Glamorgan's performances this season have been nothing short of woeful, with the Welsh county finishing bottom of the LV County Championship Division Two.

Their cup performances also left a lot to be desired and Maynard admits that, although there were some positives to take out of this season, a lot of work needs to be done.

"There are two ways to look at it. On a positive note a number of the youngster have been given an opportunity to play first-team cricket and all of them have performed at a decent level at some stage," Maynard said.

"But the overall team performance you would have to say has been disappointing.

"There are a number of factors for that, injuries being one.

"You want senior players to be the critical mass in your side and due to those injuries we have had six or seven youngster in your team and they then become your critical mass and that is difficult to work with.

606: DEBATE
Jason Mohammad

"In terms of next season we need to be more consistent with our performances over the summer and the level of expectation among the players needs to be higher."

Maynard also admitted that there may have to be new faces at Sophia Gardens next season as they look to improve on this year's woeful showing.

"I am not 100% satisfied with the side or the squad and we obviously have to strengthen it," Maynard added.

"The nucleus of youngsters coming through is as strong as any county out there.

"And it is important to get David Harrison, Alex Wharf, Mike Powell playing along with the other senior player such as Robert Croft, Mark Wallace and David Hemp.

"With a couple of signings on top of that along with the youngsters we have, then you start to have a decent nucleus of a team.

"We have to have a consistent team and it is very unsettling and something we need to put right.

"Most importantly though, across the board performance in all competitions has to improve.

"It will be hard work and take a while to turn things around. But as long as we see improvement and consistency then I'll be happy as it is a step in the right direction.

"I see us challenging for most things in three years time and that is the long-term target. In the short term if we get on a role then you never know."



SEE ALSO
Rain ruins Glamorgan v Glos match
22 Sep 07 |  Counties
Glamorgan chairman slates results
06 Sep 07 |  Glamorgan
Hampshire clear to speak to Jones
03 Sep 07 |  Glamorgan
Glamorgan desperate to keep Jones
03 Aug 07 |  Glamorgan
Prior not given central contract
10 Sep 07 |  England
Jones' future will focus Maynard
29 Jul 07 |  Glamorgan
Maynard relishes Glamorgan return
23 Jul 07 |  Glamorgan
BBC Sport Wales coverage
24 Dec 06 |  Wales


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