I WAS delighted with the convincing 42-run win against Gloucestershire and happy that Spitfires signed off with a strong performance in front of our own fans.

At this stage of the season player fatigue is a big factor and plenty of mental strength, commitment and pride is needed from the players to ensure a razor sharp performance.

The lads came up trumps but I am sure some spectators had written Spitfires off by the halfway stage.

Even though we believed conditions were in our favour to defend a low score, the performance still required a determined, fighting spirit and a real focus on the basic game plan.

Pleasingly, that fighting spirit is becoming a big part of the Spitfires side and on this occasion the lads were up for a massive scrap.

Those of you who have got to know some of the players will agree that Kent have a fantastic group of lads and their attitude has certainly impressed me.

This was to be my last year at Kent, but their impressive attitude and fighting spirit convinced me to extend my involvement and that performance showed I have made the right decision.

So we find ourselves at the end of the season but already plenty of planning has been done for 2007.

Winter player programmes are being devised, pre-season activities arranged and, of course, the composition of next year’s playing staff is being finalised.

In order to win trophies we need to make maximum use of our overseas signings. Andrew Hall is to return next year and should be available for the whole season other than the short period for the Twenty20 World Cup.

We have yet to finalise our second overseas signing, but this will be equally crucial to our cause and every effort is being made to get the right man in place.