DAVID Byas was both flattered and surprised when Lancashire approached him about joining them this season but he needed little persuading to cross the Pennines.

The man who led the White Rose to its first County Championship for 33 years last season now has a double in his sights.

"There can't be too many players who have won a title on both sides of the Pennines and wouldn't that be lovely," said the man who is nicknamed Bingo.

"And having agreed a one-year deal for this season I am just hoping that I can do well enough to have them come to me at the end of the season and tell me they need me for another year."

Byas's switch from the white to red rose shocked the Cricket world yesterday and the man himself admitted he was surprised when he was first contacted by Lancashire last month.

"I had retired from cricket on a great high, winning the championship with Yorkshire, and it could not have been a better way to finish," he said.

"I was happy in retirement and looking forward to getting back to life on the farm. I have always seen myself as a natural farmer who plays cricket but for the past 15 years I have been away from it.

"It was a massive challenge going back to the farm but I was spending more time with the children and could not have been happier.

"But things come along and I felt incredibly flattered when they got in touch with me. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am proud to have been asked to help Lancashire.

"The offer came right out of the blue, they were keen for me to have a bit of time to think about it but now I hope I can repay them with a lot of runs and any help I can give."

Lancashire's cricket manager Mike Watkinson admitted: "Hopefully the signing of David will provide some experienced competition at the top of the batting order.

"The retirement of Michael Atherton along with Neil Fairbrother's injury problems have left us looking a little thin in this area.

"Although we are firmly committed to developing the best young players within the county, the services of David will provide some short term stability to the squad."

Byas insists he will be ready for the return to action next month as he explained: "I never touch a bat until the second week of March anyway. I may be a week or so behind in fitness but I can soon catch that up and I will be ready.

"This is a really wonderful opportunity and a challenge I could not throw away."

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE have announced a record loss of £181,357 for last year, although club officials claim a change in accounting practice is largely to blame.

The figure covers the 14-month period up to December 31 2001 after the club decided to alter their financial year end to bring themselves into line with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Chief executive Steve Coverdale said: "We took the decision to make the change early last year, and it meant extending our financial year by two months."