Robin Smith's testimonial year has just got under way - but his eyes are on the ball.

The former Hampshire captain is already in training with the beginning of the 2003 season three months away.

And he can think of no better way to mark his testimonial year than by helping the club to their first trophy since 1992.

He said: "My main priority is for Hampshire to do well, it always has been and it always will be as long as I'm involved.

"There are a number of events that my committee are putting together and if the first is anything to go by it will go very well.

"But my most important priority is my own game and the success of Hampshire cricket. I respect our chairman, I'd do anything for him for the commitment he's given.

"Unfortunately during my reign as captain we weren't quite good enough for a variety of reasons.

"We didn't have the depth of squad, we didn't keep our discipline and players didn't play at their best but this year promises to be very exciting. Our squad has been strengthened and Warney is going to be a great inspiration as captain.

"Ed Giddins gives our bowling a bit more depth and Chris Tremlett is improving all the time.

"We hope that Derek Kenway will perform like he did a couple of years ago and Simon Katich comes with a wonderful pedigree.

"Everyone in Australia speaks very highly of him. He is very much Paul Terry's choice having been in Perth for a long time before moving to New South Wales and, with Lawrie Prittipaul and John Francis coming through as well, we have a lot of young batting talent."

Playing until he's 40 has long been an ambition of Smith's and now that he is without the burden of the captaincy, season 2003 will not necessarily be his last.

"I thoroughly enjoyed leading the side but at the same time it was a strain," he added. "Being involved in selection meant explaining to my best friends why they weren't playing in the side and, being a very sensitive bloke, that definitely affected me over the years.

"We'll see how this year goes but without the worries and the stresses I would love to continue playing as long as I'm contributing to Hampshire on the field.

"My cricket is about being very focused on my own game but when you're a captain you're worried about everyone else.

"We'll find out if captaincy has affected my performances during the season but I'll be disappointed if I'm not one of the two top scoring Hampshire players at the end of the year.

"Ian Botham and Allan Lamb have advised me not to make any snap decisions because you're a long time retired. If you're still contributing well you should carry on, but it's down to the club.

"I will not overstay my welcome but if, come September, I've had a good year and the club would like me to continue then I'd be delighted to." Smith already has many great memories of his Hants career.

"I enjoyed playing under Mark Nicholas, and with players like David Gower and wonderful overseas stars like Malcolm Marshall, Gordon Greenidge, Matthew Hayden and Shane Warne.

"Every single hundred has been special whether it's been at May's Bounty, the United Services ground, or Dean Park, where my hundred on debut was a real highlight for me.

"I do miss playing on the out-grounds - there was always a wonderful carnival and festive atmosphere - but I know it was the right decision to move to the Rose Bowl.

"It's important to centralise things and this is a magnificent ground.

"The hundred I scored against Australia here was a special occasion, as was the 191 against Australia at Northlands Road."

More on Simon Walter's interview with Robin in tonight's Daily Echo.