Capel believes new start will only help Panesar's ambition
One of the worst kept secrets in cricket was finally confirmed yesterday when Sussex announced the signing of Monty Panesar.
The left-arm spinner was rumoured to be on his way out of Wantage Road ever since his central contract with England was not renewed in September.
Middlesex, Surrey, Lancashire and Warwickshire were among the counties who were thought to be keen on securing the 27-year-old's signature.
But, after a few weeks of discussions, the south coast turned out to be his preferred destination and his move brings an end to an association with Northamptonshire that stretches back over a decade.
Panesar will go with a heavy heart. But he does so with the blessing of the man who perhaps knows him better than anyone else in the game.
David Capel is now head coach at Northamptonshire but was in charge of the academy players when Panesar first arrived. And he feels some new surroundings will help rejuvenate an ailing England career.
"I'm sad to see him go," Capel said. "I've worked with him since he was 16 and have seen him develop.
"When he first arrived he was a promising – and very enthusiastic – youngster. To see him go from there at 16 to representing England and be a big player for them was very pleasing.
"For me, it's a sad day to see him leaving Northamptonshire.
"But for him I think it is a good thing.
"It's a fresh start, a fresh challenge and hopefully it will help him get back into the England team.
"As a supporter of the England cricket team I think it is the best thing for him.
"It's always a shame to lose a cricketer like him. But it's been a pleasure working with him.
"He's a good friend – that doesn't change. No one will be cheering louder than me if he gets back in the national side and performs well."
While it might seem strange for a club to benefit from losing its only England player, Capel takes into consideration the fact Panesar's continued presence at the County Ground would have been an expensive one – no central contract meant his wages were paid solely by his county.
But Capel also feels his displays on the field have been affected by external pressures.
"In an ideal world I would like to see him continue to play for Northamptonshire," the head coach explained.
"But there are so many contributing factors.
"The decision has certainly been player-centred.
"We have wanted what is best for Monty and this move gives him every chance of being where he wants to be – back in the England side.
"We can't ignore the financial implications and the effect that could have had on us.
"It's a good thing for him. Over the last 18 months to two years he has found it a bit difficult in the England set-up and he's struggled to produce his best for Northamptonshire.
"He's being trying to do things to improve his game when he's been with us and striving to make an impact and get himself back into the reckoning.
"He's perhaps been trying too hard. When a forceful batsman or a strike bowler are out of the England team it is easier for them to get back into the limelight.
"It's tough at the best of times for a left-arm spinner to do that.
"The pitches here have changed character over the last few seasons. They are more conducive to seam than they were before so Monty has not had so much help here.
"It will do him good to play somewhere that perhaps offers him a little more."
The loss of Panesar also leaves Northamptonshire short in the spin bowling department.
And Capel admits signing some cover is now necessary.
He added: "We move on and I have got a few things in mind.
"We will be looking to recruit in that area but it is too early to be able to be more specific.
"In Nicky Boje we have a very fine spin bowler who will probably be used more now. He becomes the number one spinner with Monty going.
"But we have lost Graeme White and now Monty and we have to look at recruiting.
"At the moment, though, it is a case of wait and see what happens."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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