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With perhaps his best years behind him, veteran cricketer Dean Minors has shifted his emphasis on "giving back" to the sport.

The star wicketkeeper/batsman rejoined First Division outfit St. George's Cricket Club during the off season where he intends to share his wealth of experience with the club's current crop of players working in tandem with player/coach Clay Smith.

He said: "I will be assisting in any way that I can with the youth teams and also with the senior team. I haven't been given a title as of yet, but I will assist in any way Clay feels that I can.

"It feels good going back home to give something back to the programme that is moving in a positive direction under the likes of Clay. He has some goals and objectives that are aligned with mine and I am looking forward to helping St. George's become a model programme in the island."

One player in particular that Minors intends to groom is up and coming wicketkeeper Christian Burgess whom he rates highly. The World Cup veteran believes his protégé has a bright future ahead of him in the game and is prepared to step aside to enable Burgess to reach his full potential.

"Whenever he's available he will be the first choice to play behind the stumps," Minors added.

The former Bermuda international believes St. George's' cricket future is full of promise, given the talent on offer at Wellington Oval.

He said: "There's a lot of talent and we want to work on making players tactically and technically sound. I told Clay that one of the reasons I wanted to come back home was because our focal point should be playing proper cricket. We don't want our players going out there thinking cricket is just an activity. It's a sport and a science and we want our players to be mindful of that at all times."

Elated to have someone of Minors' calibre come onboard is St. George's' coach Smith.

He said: "Dean's return is massive for St. George's. He brings with him loads of ability and knowledge.

"As a senior player it is just natural for him to assist where need be. Not only does he give the players tips but he has offered me advice on how we can make the programme better and more professional."

There had been speculation Minors could make a return to St. George's' Cup Match line up this year. However, the CedarBridge Academy teacher has decided against returning to the classic at age 40.

"I have ruled out playing Cup Match and also representing the country," he declared. "I think it's my time to assist others coming through.

"I still feel I can do the job, but right now I think much emphasis and much focus has to go towards the youth."

St. George's, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier last season, lost the services of seam bowlers Gregg Foggo and Herbie Bascome during the off season.

Foggo has opted for greener pastures at St. David's while Bascome has returned to Devonshire Recreation Club where he plans to retire from playing.

Joining the East Enders were hard hitting batsman James Celestine from Police, son of the soil Detroy Smith from Young Men's Social Club and Patrick Stamp from Cleveland County.[[In-content Ad]]

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