Drifters Team Photo 2008

No heart attacks in the Drifters camp over the last year, just an enveloping global crisis and advancing years with which to cope, not to mention the fact that the baht does not go so far these days. . Those advancing years have meant that we shall not have the services of David Walker this year, as he struggles to cope with a decaying hip but, of course, he will be much in evidence off the field.

However, springing to fill this void are those seasoned Chiang Mai participants, Taran Persaud and Neil Howe. Taran is now comfortably established in his job in Qatar and has managed to arrange his leave to coincide with the tournament.  Neil has had his unfair share of life's commercial vicissitudes over the last two years: bloodied he may, but not unbowed and he is really looking forward to a return trip, following successful performance for his county's over 50's side.  At the time of writing, we are waiting to hear if his brother, Julian, is going to be able to join in this year's fun. We are also waiting on Pete Demitri, but have given up hope on Rob Smith ever gracing Chiang Mai again.  He is reported to be alive, but six consecutive ducks last season have forced him into a major rethink about his future.  

Lord Hall has been in dietary training in eager anticipation of the week and even paid a New Year visit to both Bangkok and Thailand to acclimatize himself.  Thankfully, he still has a job amidst the bloodbath of City of London cullings, otherwise he might end up spending even more time in Thailand- and where would that lead?  Sadly, it seems that the economic gloom has put paid to a return visit by John and Martha Langham, who added weight and gravitas to last year's squad.

One person who has been chomping at the bit is Alan "Tubby" Jenner. He gained a convenient and early injury last year that ruled him out of on the field activities. This only served to accelerate his off the field activities which extended to being driven around Chiang Mai for hours by a lady on a motorbike. Wouldn't you rather play cricket, Tubs?  He has also acted as breakfast chef for Neil on some of his car racing activities. I suspect that neither will be taking breakfast in Chiang Mai.

Last year, the quietly spoken, self effacing, Richard Cox, of Darjeeling, performed and, despite pressure from certain quarters, we have asked for him to be retained in the squad. manfully  We also had the services of a local resident, Martin Papworth, last year and we will be delighted to have his services again.

There are some other negotiations in the pipeline and, who knows, we might pull off a surprise signing before the deadline, but I don't think it will be Pato.