NEW captain Glen Chapple is open to any advice from axed Stuart Law as he embarks on his first season as Lancashire skipper.

The 33-year-old was handed the reins at the end of last season after the club decided not to offer former Aussie Test ace Law a new contract.

Despite making his debut for the club back in 1992, Chapple has limited captaincy experience, taking charge for the first time in a pre-season friendly against Yorkshire last year when Law was returning from his commitments in the Indian Cricket League, and then deputised when in two Pro40 games.

So Chappie won't be turning down any suggestions from a player he believes is one of Lancashire's greats.

"If Stuey wants to pass on any words of wisdom my ears will be open, but I won't be badgering him for advice, he has got his own life to live," said Chapple.

"I have spoken to Stuey, and he is disappointed to be leaving because he has played quite a few years for us and has been a very successful player, one of the best we have ever had.

"I can understand Stuey being very disappointed and from the players' perspective we will miss him."

Fitness

Having been a senior player at the club for the last few years, Chapple hasn't yet noticed much difference now that he is skipper. However, he is expecting things to hot up as the season approaches.

With most of the squad playing either for England or wintering in Australia and New Zealand, there are only seven squad members left in the country. They have all been working on their own individual fitness programmes from December 1, but training will now begin in earnest.

"There are seven lads left in the country and it has been optional training, although we are nearly all in the gym every day because we are accustomed to staying reasonably fit nowadays and there is no point sitting on your sofa when you can be in the gym," said Chapple.

"But after Christmas we will be together as a group much more often. Then it is three months of fairly hard training.

"There are a few decision I am involved with that I wouldn't normally, but it has still been pretty low key. I am sure it will get a lot more intense now.

"At the moment it is very interesting and nice and easy, the tricky decisions come before and during the season."

And Chapple, like most captains, isn't looking forward to having to tell his colleagues when they aren't playing.

He said: "It is a terrible thing to have to do and however much you think about it, it is not going to change. You are going to have to leave good players out of the team for no other reason than either they are not in form according to my opinion or the balance of the team. All you can be is as honest as you can be and hope they take it the right way."

Do you think Chapple will do well as Lancs skipper? Have your say.

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