Steve Rhodes enthused by Worcestershire's young players

Rhodes' side finished bottom of County Championship Division One last season

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes says that his side have the team spirit to be able to put their disastrous 2009 season behind them.

Worcestershire were relegated from County Championship Division One after failing to register a single win.

"We have addressed last season and the important thing is to move forward," Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"The guys in the dressing room all want to do well and they all want to play for Worcestershire."

The former England wicketkeeper added: "Most of them have had no increase in their wages and that's a good sign.

I am not saying we are going to win things but we could surprise a lot of teams

Steve Rhodes

"It means that they are they are hungry and that want to do it for Worcestershire cricket."

Worcestershire will begin the new season without the services of Gareth Batty, Stephen Moore, Kabir Ali, Simon Jones and Steven Davies, who all left New Road at the end of the 2009 campaign.

"We are a few senior players short this summer, we all known they have gone to so called bigger clubs," Rhodes continued.

"But we have some very enthusiastic young cricketers and if they mature, we really could shake up some people, particularly in one-day cricket.

"I am not saying we are going to win things but we could surprise a lot of teams.

"In the second division of the County Championship there are some good teams.

"Surrey, who are one the biggest payers, are in Division Two. They are hot favourites to go up, but we will give it our best shot."

Meanwhile, Worcestershire have signed a two-year extension to their deal with main sponsors The Cotswold Group, which the club have confirmed is worth a six-figure sum.

"We have forged a fantastic relationship with The Cotswold Group since they became main sponsor almost 12 months ago," said Worcestershire commercial director David Leatherdale.

"I am delighted they will now be with us until the end of 2012 and hopefully beyond."