By Tom Prosser
Glamorgan head coach Matthew Maynard says Sam Northeast has the potential to be the county’s best ever domestic signing.
Northeast is regarded as one of the most consistent players in the county game and arrives in Wales after spells at both Kent and Hampshire.
“Sam is a phenomenal batsman and could potentially be one of Glamorgan’s best ever domestic signings,” said Maynard.
“I hope we can help him achieve his ambition of playing for England and he will do that by scoring good runs and making match winning contributions.”
Since making his first-class debut in 2007, Northeast has made 182 appearances, scoring 10,839 runs at an average of 38.30. He has also struck 25 centuries.
The 31-year-old also has a strong record in white-ball cricket having played 106 List A games, hitting 2,986 runs at an average of nearly 34 and has made 127 T20 appearances, scoring 2,966 runs at a strike rate of 128.
Maynard believes Northeast can make an impact in all forms of cricket as well as acting as a role model for the younger players at the club.
“If we can get him in an England shirt, then it will be a great driver for all our young players,” added Maynard.
“He’s settled in really well so far and hopefully he will play for us for a very long time.”
official opening of “Toms Nets” dedicated to Thomas Maynard made by Mathew Maynard at @GlamCricket this morning pic.twitter.com/FbXlqCxeCb
— Ioan Dyer (@Ioan_Dyer) March 29, 2022
Maynard also officially opened ‘Tom’s nets’- which is a new facility dedicated to his son Tom who died in June 2012.
The nets are located behind Glamorgan’s pavilion at Sophia Gardens and it’s hoped that many young people will be inspired to take up the game by using the new facility.
In order to raise money for the nets, Maynard completed a challenge called ‘Wellyman Walking’ which saw him walk from Cardiff to Colwyn Bay (where Tom Made his 1st XI debut for Glamorgan) via Pen y Fan, Cader Idris and Snowdon.
The Tom Maynard nets are now open!
Incredible work from Matt and @TomMaynardTrust to make this happen 👏🏼 #GoGlam pic.twitter.com/ByUIqmkt0Q
— Glamorgan Cricket 🏏 (@GlamCricket) March 29, 2022
“I feel very honoured that the county have allowed the facility to be named after our son Tom,” said Maynard.
“When I was batting in the middle, he spent hours and hours playing in these backfields. He spent lots of his young life here honing his skills.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Glamorgan but also to everyone who donated.”