by Andrew Gidley

Paul Farbrace believes the start of the long-awaited redevelopment work at the St Lawrence Ground has triggered a "feelgood factor".

Construction has started on the Bellway housing development and pavilion improvements, and Kent team director Farbrace said: "The ground may resemble a building site but it is exciting.

"Things look a little clearer now and have given everyone a lot more confidence but it doesn’t mean we are rolling in cash and in for every single player who becomes available.

"There is a feelgood factor and things look more encouraging and we have started talking to players about contracts."

He added: "There has been a little hesitancy from the players thinking the club weren’t going forward and would be treading water for a couple of years but it’s given them more confidence.

"Things are a lot more positive, with light at the end of the tunnel and the club’s plans going forward.

"We have been talking to quite a few players already who are out of contract at the end of next summer about one or two-year extensions on top of what they have got already but nobody has signed anything yet."

Darren Stevens is practising this week ahead of representing England in the Hong Kong Sixes on November 6/7.

Meanwhile, Matt Coles, in Perth on an ECB scholarship, hopes to play his first game this weekend after recovering from a sore knee. He is spending the winter working with former Australian fast bowler Bruce Reid.

Sam Northeast has already scored two half-centuries playing for Sydney Cricket Club, with Joe Denly due to join them around Christmas. James Goodman has been in good form with bat and ball for North Sydney where he is playing alongside former Kent wicketkeeper Paul Dixey.

Farbrace also hopes that Robbie Joseph will be bowling again this winter.

The injury-hit fast bowler is recovering from a second shoulder operation. Farbrace said: "He is making good progress and we are all
optimistic the problem has been sorted out."