JOHN Seedle has turned down persistent bids by Central Lancashire League club Stand to sign him as professional, in order to continue as skipper of Rishton.

And Rod Simpson, chairman of the Lancashire League side, commended Seedle's attitude as an example which put other players to shame.

Seedle, top amateur runscorer, wicket-taker and player of the year at Rishton last summer, was first approached by his old club Stand some time ago.

But he has confirmed he will be staying at Rishton.

Mr Simpson welcomed Seedle's enthusiasm but slammed other players at the club for their poor attitudes.

"We are let down time and again by players who do not care about their club, paying spectators and sponsors, or even their team-mates," he said.

"They should stop wasting our time and their own and find some other hobby to take up if and when they feel like it."

Mr Simpson said it was a shambles when, 45 minutes before a fixture at East Lancs, a top Lancashire League club was trying to cobble together two sides.

And he also described being able to field only eight players at the start of a second team game at Lowerhouse as a "shameful disgrace".

Meanwhile, the chairman warned the annual meeting that the ambitious signing of Australian Test bowler Jason Gillespie required backing on and off the field.

But he felt it was the kind of signing needed to ensure the Lancashire League was established as "the real Premier League".

"We have not exactly signed Gillespie from a position of financial strength," he said.

"If we don't get the support on the field, through the gate and in this bar it might be difficult in the future to justify this season.

"But Jason Gillespie is another coup for the club and gives us the chance to get back to winning ways.

"His doctors say he should be fully fit by the end of this month and we have forcibly made the point that if Jason comes he must be fit."

Channel Four TV cameras will visit Rishton on Saturday, June 24, when the Saturday AM Roadshow will be broadcast from the ground.

Graeme Fowler has stepped in to deputise for unavailable Paul Allott as main speaker at Rishton's sportsman's dinner on Thursday, February 24. Comedian Mike Farrell will also be on the bill. Tickets are available, price £22.

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