Rhodes likes year-round contracts

Rhodes is preparing for life back in Divsion One of the championship

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes says the club's introduction of year-round contracts will benefit everyone at New Road.

The county have given the squad 12-month deals for the first time and Rhodes has already seen the advantages.

"I'm really pleased with the progress the lads have made," Rhodes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"They started back at the beginning of November and I got a lot of pride seeing them training hard," he said.

Rhodes also revealed that he intends to change the focus of their winter training from fitness to skills in the New Year.

"There will be more cricket after Christmas and, if it make us mentally stronger and fitter, than can only be good for Worcestershire.

"A lot of them did not want to go abroad this winter and they are keen to get in a full winter's work.

"There is a lot of value in playing and living abroad on their own and they learn a lot about life but, this year, we wanted them here."

Lowe is working the players hard at New Raod this winter

Rhodes says it is very different from his playing days when the players would report back at the start of April.

"There's a massive difference and the challenge for me and the staff is to make sure the intrigue levels are kept high and there is no boredom factor.

"That way we keep the interest all the way through to April."

Rhodes, too, was full of praise for the man who has been brought in to help get the players fit for the start of this summer.

"Dave Lowe is an ex-marine. He's a great guy and he has a good way with them.

"He's a real sergeant-major type but he has a lot of respect from the lads and we could not wish for a better to person to be in charge of their fitness."