Renouf heads to Cobo

MARK RENOUF is set to become Total Cobo's new player-manager. The former island opening bowler is moving to the GCA Cup-holders after spending two years with Rovers, while Optimists all-rounder Andre van Rooyen has been linked with a move to the same club.

Meanwhile, Rovers could soon temper the loss of Renouf as they are one of five clubs apparently interested in signing Nick Derbyshire, the former first-class cricketer who played for Richard Hamilton's men in the Super Eights.

But Renouf's is the first confirmed move of the close season.

'The bottom line is that I enjoy playing cricket with the boys at Cobo,' said Renouf, who has built up a good rapport with several of his new teammates through his involvement with the Guernsey squad.

'They are such a good bunch; it will be great to play cricket with them. They have always made me feel welcome and the general atmosphere is excellent.

'Without wanting to put Rovers down in any way, I want to enjoy my cricket again. Someone has said to me it is probably about medals, but I am not trophy-hunting at all.'

Originally, Renouf was moving to continue just as a player, but Cobo president Dave Nussbaumer has recently sounded him out about taking on the manager's position.

'I want to define the role of manager first,' said Renouf.

'If it involves a lot of paperwork and takes up a lot of my time, then I would be too busy with other commitments to do it.

'But if it is about helping out with team selection and tactics then I would be more than happy to get involved and I am willing to pass on bits about the game to the guys if they want to listen.'

Again, Renouf will largely limit his games to the weekends, with an occasional appearance in the Evening League if required. He wants to force his way back into contention for the Guernsey side after he missed out on the inter-insular win at the KGV in August.

'It was disappointing because it is the one main game of the season. Dave Hearse has said that he has kept the door open, but as an opening bowler, I may be getting too old.

'I could still do a job but it depends what job he wants done. If he is looking for out-and-out pace, then he has to look for someone younger, but if he wants the ball to swing around and someone to keep it tight, it would be nice still to be considered.'

Rovers captain Richard Hamilton was unavailable for comment yesterday but he had recently said that he did not expect Renouf to be at the club next year.

Renouf believes that the Port Soif club will improve from their disappointing 2003 season and that they can cope with his loss. 'The return of Andy Mountford, Ed Benfield and Stuart Bisson will help. They bring a real enthusiasm and will strengthen the side,' he said.