IN the second of our pre-season fan panels, Somerset supporter Dan Kingdom has had his say on the upcoming campaign. You can follow Dan on Twitter here.

What shape do you think Somerset are in ahead of the new season – are you optimistic?

I am – this is our best chance in years of securing a trophy. It might be just beyond us, as I don’t think we’re the strongest team on paper in any format. But we’re right up there so you never know.

The appointment of Tom Abell as captain - the right move?

Obviously he’s young for a captain, but he’s mature, loves the club and has the respect of the players. He might take a while to bed in but, with Chris Rogers and Marcus Trescothick around to help him, I think he’ll be a success.

What are your thoughts on Somerset’s new signings?

Two very good signings – Dean Elgar will be a more-than-able replacement for Chris Rogers and I reckon he’ll get 1000 runs. Steve Davies deepens our four-day batting line-up and strengthens our one-day top order massively.

Are there any areas of the side you feel should have been strengthened further?

I’m not sure we’ll be able to compete in T20 without a specialist overseas player, but obviously there’s plenty of time for one to be signed. A fast bowler would’ve been nice to give us an extra edge – I don’t think our attack is as strong as Middlesex or Yorkshire’s currently – but in Leach, Groenewald, Gregory and the Overtons we certainly have the potential to match them.

Which young player(s) do you think can break through and play a part this season?                               

Hopefully Dom Bess can build on last season; I’m sure he’ll get more chances if Taunton continues to favour spin. I think this could be a big year for Adam Hose as well – if we don’t sign a T20 overseas player he might get a chance to impress in that format. George Bartlett and Ben Green seem good prospects but this year could be a bit too soon for them to make a major impact.

Who would be in your XI for the first match of the season against Essex?

Trescothick, Elgar, Abell, Hildreth, S Davies, Trego, Allenby, Gregory, C Overton, J Overton, Leach.

Predictions:

Where will Somerset finish in the County Championship?

3rd

Which team will win the County Championship?

Middlesex

Which player will score the most Championship runs for Somerset?

James Hildreth

Which player will score the most Championship runs overall?

Nick Gubbins (Middlesex)

Which player will take the most Championship wickets for Somerset?

Craig Overton

Which player will take the most Championship wickets overall?

Jeetan Patel (Warwickshire)

Thank you to Dan for his time, and make sure you catch the next instalment of our pre-season fan predictions tomorrow morning.

If you missed yesterday’s views from Matt Roller, click here, and if you would like to get involved yourself just let us know by commenting below or tweeting us @CountyGazSport.

You can win two tickets to day two of Somerset v Essex on Saturday by liking our new Somerset CCC Facebook page – click here to find out more.