By JMB
December 24 2006

In the last of the 2006 reviews we look forward as well as back. The 2006 season gave us high drama on and off the pitch. Yorkshire cricket was saddened by the death of one of its most famous sons when Freddie Trueman died on 1st July. Amidst uncertainty there is still only one Yorkshire CCC. Freddie Trueman was a legend FULL STOP. When Yorkshire cricket is mentioned around the world people think of the many greats that have played for the club and FST is one of the first names on people's lips. A great fast bowler for both England and Yorkshire Trueman leaves us with many memories. Those of us old enough to have seen him play are very lucky. I managed a glimpse at a Courage Old England XI match in the late seventies and although the waist had expanded and the speed diminished it was still a treat. He will be sadly missed.

Freddie became the first person to be elected into this sites Hall of Fame in 2006. He was joined by Geoff Boycott, Sir Len Hutton and Ray Illingworth. You couldn't get four better names to start such a venture and this is a tribute to them and to you - The Corridor of Uncertainty readership. You have rapidly grown in your numbers since the site opened at the start of July and you have been positive, frank and well informed. The site is nothing without you, so thanks for your time and input.

We held our first award ceremonies. Predictably and deservedly Darren Lehmann walked away with the Player of the Season 2006 in a landslide vote. The Young Player of the Season Award went to Adil Rashid for his stunning debut and end of season. These votes will take place each season from now on and lets home we have some good performances from which to choose the winners in 2007.

In memory of Fred Trueman (who was never one to conceal his opinions) we will also have an award in 2007 for the best poster on this site. This will be a real quality not necessarily quantity award, given for sound and well argued opinion (regardless of whether the rest of us think it is right or wrong!) So get posting - the first Fred Trueman Award could be yours in 2007.

This site will cover the 2007 season from every possible angle. We will provide match reports, commentaries on games, and do everything we can to promote and enjoy Yorkshire cricket.

The team that walks out at The Oval in April might be short of some of our favourite faces. The irreplaceable Boof is gone bit will never be forgotten. Younus Khan has big shoes to fill and it would be unfair to expect his feet to fit them immediately Cinderella style. Anyone who saw his century in this year’s Headingley test could see that he is a classy player and a fine acquisition for the club.

The squad is not as thin as people are making out and it is often the backs to the wall 'we'll shown them' kind of spirit that so often brings out the best in sportsmen. The troubles of recent months may well be a blessing in disguise and could result in the chance for youth to shine. The club continues to search for a new coach and captain and these two men will need to walk forward into battle with conviction and spirit if the club is to succeed. The huge tradition of the club will provide inspiration, yet it can so often be a hindrance. Players like Fred Trueman are legends because they were truly great, unique and at the very top end of the spectrum.

We must allow the current squad to find their own careers. It is unfair to expect them to emulate the great characters and performances of the past. All we can ask is that they represent the club with pride, give their all and enjoy the experience of representing the greatest club side in the world.

2006 has been colourful, and I'm sure most of us would settle for a bit more black and white in 2007. Cricket is a sport. There are terrible things happening around the globe, we all lead stressful lives and cricket is an escape valve. It is not life and death ... but by ek it matters.

Wishing everyone concerned with Yorkshire cricket a very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

Make us proud boys!