STEVE James (pictured) has been appointed to lead Glamorgan for the third successive season.

The former England opener led the county to the Norwich Union League one-day title last season, though they missed out on promotion back to the First Division of the County Championship, finishing sixth of nine in Division Two.

Some supporters feel James lacks the dynamism of previous skipper Matthew Maynard and he faces a tough task this season with the Welsh county almost certain to be the only one without two overseas players and with fast bowler Simon Jones out for the whole of the campaign.

However, James said today: "I believe we have a strong enough squad to surprise a few people.

"It's true some quality players have been signed by other counties and they will have two overseas players to our one.

"But we have always been good at developing our own players and our squad consists of mainly home-grown talent.

"We have to be positive and there is no doubt that if we can build on last season and win something this time around it will be a massive statement."

Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin said a second overseas player to join Aussie paceman Mike Kasprowicz had not been completely ruled out but that it was unlikely.

"We have not slammed the door but it appears we are closing it gently," he said. "The club view generally is that we don't agree with the two overseas players rule and we have to consider the financial implications."

For financial reasons, the club are also not embarking on a pre-season tour which would normally cost £25,000 to £30,000.

Players have been working hard on fitness during the winter and report back for pre-season training on March 14.

A pre-season three-day friendly against Somerset at Taunton has been arranged for April 2-4 and one day friendlies against Middlesex and Nottinghamshire will be played before the start of this season's one-day campaign.