Cricket: Ian Ferguson opts for Leamington

Aug 4 2010 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

IAN Ferguson, the Birmingham No.1 and the outstanding player in the city for the past two decades, is to switch his allegiance to Leamington for the 2010/11 season.

“Certain players and officials have shown a complete lack of respect and it is the right time to walk away from the competition,” said the attacking star.

“I am not naming anyone but these narrow-minded individuals know who they are.

“I occasionally have a short fuse, as do most top players in the heat of the battle, but deliberate goading and winding up is not in the spirit of the sport in my opinion.’’

Being the oustanding player for 20 years has brought pressure and although Ferguson can live with it on the table, now concentrating on his coaching roles and responsibilities, he will not tolerate these comments off it.

‘Fergie’ will be sorely missed in Birmingham with 12 individual titles in the Premier Division and five men’s singles crowns in the Birmingham Closed among his 20-plus titles in the competion.

He has appeared for the city at representative level for the past 22 years, as well as captaining Birmingham to Midland League success in 2008/9.

“I will continue with my various roles at the Colebridge club, including trying to help Amann Ubhi realise his vast potential,’’ Ferguson added.

“I will be in an ideal position to advise him of the jealousy from others that comes with being a top player.

“Although it is not the ideal way to stop playing here, I wish the league and 99 per cent of its competitors all the best for the forthcoming season.

“I am looking forward to playing for Leamington in the Midland League and will not miss the politics that go hand-in-hand with the sport in Birmingham.’’