GLAMORGAN skipper David Hemp believes an experienced spine to the side will ensure there will be no repeat of the woes of 2007.

The last campaign couldn't have gone much worse with Glam winning just two games and propping up the table in every competition except the Friends Provident Trophy, where they sneaked ahead of Ireland because of their superior run rate.

But there was a real sense of optimism at yesterday's photocall at the breathtaking Swalec Stadium after hectic winter where the workload in the offices matched that on the building site.

Matthew Maynard, who returned as cricket manager, bolstered his squad with the captures of all-rounder Jamie Dalrymple from Middlesex, opener Matthew Wood from Yorkshire and left arm seamer Adam Shantry from Warwickshire.

With Aussie Jason Gillespie being given the all clear to play after his ICL participation and David Harrison and Mike Powell back in the fold after injury, there is the feeling that an environment has been created where Glamorgan's young talent can prosper.

"We had some good young players last season and the pleasing thing was that we got into winning positions," said Hemp, who is in his benefit year "It was because of the lack of experience that we couldn't quite follow that through but we have now got that experience so if we get in the same positions then we should be winning games.

"It has been clear in pre-season that the extra experience is there, particularly with Mike Powell, Dave Harrison, Jamie Dalrymple and Matthew Wood in the frame. They are four that have played over 100 games, which is a lot compared to what we had last year.

"There is certainly more pressure on me as an individual now because we have made those signings and on paper we should be notching up a lot more victories.

"It's an old cliche but winning becomes a habit and when you get the chances you need to nail them, but that comes through experience. It would help if we could get a couple of early wins to boost confidence."

Hemp, who is looking to bat at three and open in one-dayers, is certainly going to have plenty of decisions to make when in the field with a wealth of bowling options available.

Jason Gillespie and Adam Shantry have arrived but it is the return of Newport seamer Harrison following his back troubles that is perhaps the biggest boost.

"Hazza has looked back to his old self in our pre-season," said Hemp. "If we can keep him fit with Alex Wharf, Jason Gillespie, James Harris and then young players like Huw Waters, Adam Shantry, we have got plenty of options.

"And Gillespie will have an impact on the senior players, just as Michael Kasprowicz and Matthew Elliott did. People say the overseas man can have an influence on the younger players but for me it's the senior players who sometimes need a kick up the backside.

"It's about the whole package, not just affecting one or two but the whole squad and I think he can do that. It was a big relief that he got the all clear to come here."