Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2016

10 twitter: @scloverssociety An interview with Ryan Sidebottom Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Head of Media Danny Reuben caught up with the most decorated cricketer in the County Championship Ryan Sidebottom as he looks back on his fifth championship success and Yorkshire’s first back-to-back title since 1968. How does it feel to be County Cricket’s most decorated player with five Championship crowns? “It still hasn’t sunk in. It probably won’t until I retire. Then, I’ll be able to sit back and reflect. I’d say the same about my entire career. Everyone likes to get accolades and for people to mention I have won it five times is nice. But, at this moment in time, I just want to win it again. “I am into my twilight years but I look at people like Jamie Peacock and Kevin Sinfield in rugby league – a sport I admire for its professionalism and commitment and what they’ve achieved in their formative years. Look at how many trophies they have won with Leeds Rhinos over the past 10 years and yet they are still among the best players. They are hungry and that inspires me. We hear a lot about Jason Gillespie’s influence on the side, can you sum up what he brings to the dressing room? “He is an outstanding coach, but more importantly he is a great manager of people. He knows exactly what makes everyone tick, whether you are in the senior side or working in the office. “The atmosphere he fosters is great, too. I have been in teams before where the lads have not really criticised each other that much. It was frowned upon and that, to me, made things a bit too nice. “But, with this team, everyone says what they mean. If you are not pulling your weight, the lads will have a go at you. ‘You’re not doing this’, or, ‘You’re not training hard enough’. “Personality-wise, we all know what each of us need. I carry on if a catch is dropped, I know that and so do the lads. Steve Patterson hates it when he goes for more than two runs an over. Bressy (Tim Bresnan) is different again, whereas Pudsey (Liam Plunkett) needs a lot of love and to be told, ‘You’re bowling really well, don’t worry’. We all complement each other really well and it works well. “That’s why we are hard to beat. We are comfortable in our own surroundings and enjoy each other’s company. Honesty is a key component to our ongoing success.”