THE Lancashire League is heading for a return to the good old days as a number of clubs close in on top name players.

Rishton set the pace with the signing of Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie.

And Bacup are in negotiations with a current Test squad man and one-day star having already approached the likes of Michael Kasprowicz, Wasim Akram, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Greg Blewett and Lance Klusener.

Australian fast bowler Andy Bickel would be the type of player that fit their bill.

The Bacup attitude has typified that of a number of clubs, determined to arrest a recent slump in professional standards.

Skipper David Thompson said: "We have set our stall out to target a top name.

"We approached Klusener, but South Africa are on tour in Sri Lanka for five weeks.

"Wasim is contracted to Channel 4 for Test matches and would not be able to play on those Saturdays.

"Kasprowicz wanted quite a lot of money and a job on top.

"And the other top Aussies have retainer contracts and are not really interested."

Nelson are waiting to hear back from Roger Harper and are optimistic that the West Indian all-rounder will return.

But the club has drawn up a contingency list of five which includes South African Test spinner Pat Symcox.

It is thought that World Cup star Klusener also features on that list. But, with Viv Richards having clinched the coaching position with the West Indies following the death of Malcolm Marshall, the chances of a return are good.

Nelson skipper Duncan Spencer said: "The ball is in Roger's court but we have also run up a list of five names because we are in the fortunate position that we can afford the best."

Ramsbottom are hopeful that popular all-rounder Chris Harris will return and expect a decision in the near future.

Church, who have been linked with Kiwi spinner Daniel Vettori and new Lancashire Seconds coach Mike Watkinson, are also confident of landing a top name.

Burnley have been thwarted in their attempts to resign 1997 professional Dale Benkenstein as South Africa A have organised a tour to the West Indies in May.

Cricket manager Michael Anderson said: "Dale was looking forward to coming back but there is also still a chance that he will be involved in the senior tour to Sri Lanka.

"We have one or two other names on the short list and are hoping for someone of the same sort of quality of as Dale."

Haslingden are some way away from deciding on their targets and Accrington are soon to firm up their short list.

Colne has signed former star batsman Ben Johnson while East Lancs, Enfield and Lowerhouse have stuck with last years's success, Claude Henderson, David Saker and Martin Van Jaarsveld.

Todmorden are another club who have gone back to the future in capturing Tasmanian all-rounder Dan Marsh.

Rawtenstall are hoping that South African batsman Lloyd Ferreira, who was forced to return home early through injury last season, might consider a return.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.