STAND Cricket Club has appointed Martin Hegg - brother of Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren - as their new professional.

The 6ft 3in all-rounder also takes the captaincy of the Hamilton Road outfit - in the same month that Warren starts out on his first season as captain of the county side.

Martin gave up his job as national sales manager of a textile company two years ago to take up a new career as a self-employed sports coach, which renewed his zest for cricket.

"Giving up such a good job was a risk but I wanted a more active lifestyle", said the 31-year-old. "I am now an English Cricket Board coach, Lawn Tennis Association coach and a qualified Football Association coach. Certainly a different lifestyle!"

Martin, of Hawkstone Avenue, Whitefield, works through Bury Sports Development, based at Castle Leisure Centre, and takes coaching sessions in primary and secondary schools throughout the borough.

He had played at Stand as a youngster until his early 20s and later moved to Prestwich where he spent a successful few seasons.

He foresees his first season as a professional as a time for re-building Stand, and will spend part of his time coaching the under-18s.

"We have some very good juniors breaking through and I hope to have a couple of former first team players back at the club", he said.

"If there are any disenchanted players who haven't made the grade at other clubs around Manchester, and who believe they could make it here, then they will receive a warm welcome".

One new face expected to make an instant hit is the club's new overseas amateur, 19-year-old Australian Josh McLean, a wicketkeeper/batsman who can also bowl seam. He flies in from Adelaide next week.

Having two sons as cricket captains has come as a thrill for Martin and Warren's mother, Mrs Glenda Hegg, who is president of Stand.

She is -- naturally -- their biggest fan. She was always at the ground when her late husband, Kevin, played for Broughton, then watched when he joined Stand, with Martin and Warren coming up through the juniors.

Stand's new cricket chairman, Mr Keith Warren, said: "The coming season is the first in a three-year development plan. We have had a new square laid and an extension to the clubhouse will soon be under way.

"The spirit and atmosphere at the club is tremendous, everyone is pulling together. I am convinced we have a fine future and I am sure Martin will play a big part".

Stand's opening fixture is a friendly against Lancashire League club, Church, on April 14. The season gets under way with a third team match with East Lancs Paper the following Saturday.

Cricketers who would like a trial for Stand can contact Martin Hegg on 0776 5258962.