By Martin Gough

Snape played a major role in Leicestershire's Twenty20 success

New captain Jeremy Snape is aiming to help bring a "new brand of cricket" to Leicestershire this season.

The Foxes, whose three-day game against Loughborough UCCE was lost to rain, open their campaign in the C&G Trophy at Lancashire on Sunday.

"Although we might not set the world alight we should be able to challenge on all fronts," Snape told BBC Sport.

"With a new coach and direction, our goal's to improve mentally, physically, tactically and technically."

Snape, who played 10 one-day internationals for England in 2001-02 as a spinner and lower-order bat, played as a one-day specialist last season.

But as he comes to the end of a Masters degree in sports psychology, he will step up in place of batsman HD Ackerman to spearhead a push for promotion in the County Championship.

"My role is as much about helping to gel the team as to put in prolific performances on the pitch," he said.

"I was selected by England as a bowler but I've consistently batted at six and I'll be there to support the rest of the order."

This is the most cohesive squad we've had in a number of years Jeremy Snape

Snape's promotion comes as part of a new regime headed by coach Tim Boon, who was formerly a video analyst with the England team.

Boon's pre-season programme has included work with a tennis coach used by British number one Elena Baltacha.

"He has introduced more sports science, a dietician, a biomechanist and a kick boxer, who did fast-feet drills," Snape continued.

"It's been hugely different and the lads have loved it."

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif is expected to arrive in time for the Lancashire match, although he is likely to be on international duty in the second half of the season.

Otherwise much rests on a youthful bowling line-up, including England U19 star Stuart Broad, after a spate of departures and retirements.

"I hate to think of the experience we've lost in Ottis Gibson, Phil DeFreitas and Charlie Dagnall," Snape admitted.

"But that brings huge opportunities for young players to come though.

"This is the most cohesive squad we've had in a number of years."

Snape played a major role in Leicestershire's Twenty20 Cup victory in 2005, and their march to the semi-finals again last year.

County cricket latest scores

Once again that looks like their best chance of silverware, although they may also challenge in the last-season Pro40 League.

Snape bridles at the suggestion Leicestershire are an unfashionable county but realises the players must produce results to overcome that tag.

"We've done well in the Twenty20 because it's refreshing and we've had a structured plan going into the competition. It's something we will try to push for again," he said.

"All we can do is bring a new brand of cricket to Leicestershire. We're not looking to go over old ground.