Surrey chief: Manchester United are our example

Paul Sheldon, Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket Club, could barely conceal his delight when he spoke to CricInfo about the signing of Mark Ramprakash.

"It's a huge day for Surrey," he admitted. "A player of this calibre doesn't become available very often. No-one like this has come along in years and years."

Sheldon revealed that Surrey only began talks with Ramprakash on Friday (2nd Feb) and agreed the signing on Sunday afternoon (4th Feb). "It's such a surprise, we never planned on him being part of the squad - it's hugely exciting," he said.

"Mark is tremendously enthusiastic. He is keen to kick-start his international career, and that can only be of benefit to us. He's ambitious and he reasons that he is most likely to win trophies, and win back an England place, here.

"I understand that Essex, in particular, Somerset and Warwickshire were keen to sign him, but I would not like to be seen to be gloating, especially over Middlesex. A strong Middlesex is good for county cricket, and I take no pleasure in their current misfortunes.

Sheldon admitted that this signing is further evidence of a growing transfer market in county cricket, and issued a stark warning to other counties that the ambitions of Surrey know few limits.

"I think it is inevitable that the best players will choose to play in the first division," he agreed. "The first division is where the selectors and the press will naturally gravitate, and where the best quality cricket will be played.

"We are a very ambitious club, and we want to compete for all four competitions - not just win one trophy a year. To do that we need to have a strong squad. The potential for injuries and of England call-ups had to be considered, as does a balance of youth and experience in a team. We're able to rest players after a county game, and still field an international quality side in a one-day game immediately afterwards."

Surrey now have almost an embarrassment of riches, and Sheldon conceded that there is the potential for dissatisfaction among the squad from those deprived of first-class cricket.

"If they (the players) take a defeatist attitude then they are not really professional cricketers. They will have to compete for places with some very good players, and that competition should spur them to greater performances.

"Look at Manchester United: they rotate their squad, keep the players happy and keep winning. It's a good blueprint to follow. I suppose they are an example to us."