Cleckheaton have signed former England international all-rounder Ian Austin on a three-year deal - and now have plans to take on the big clubs in the Bradford League.

The player and the club have had a chance to weigh up one another during the rain-affected opening to the season, and both want the partnership to continue.

The former Lancashire county cricket star will be skipper for this season and the next two, at least, said Cleckheaton chairman, David Worrall.

"We are thrilled with what he has done so far. He is keen on bringing local kids into the side and we will soon be appointing a junior cricket chairman. We think this is the way forward.

"I have asked Ian to keep us up this season. We want to stabilise and then go after the big clubs next year."

He added: "We are a very young side and Ian Austin brings such a lot to this club on and off the field.

"He coaches players and is always available to talk to them. He has also brought professionalim to the club.

"And my belief now is that talented young cricketers with ambition should be coming to our club."

Cleckheaton swooped for Austin when Lancashire League club Haslingden decided not to offer him terms for 2003.

Austin is equally pleased with the three-year deal.

"I get enjoyment from playing alongside lads who are trying to become professional cricketers," he said. "If I can help them along then that is great.

"It is important to bring the players together on the field and off it. If we play well and lose then that's ok, it's when we play badly and lose that I get angry.

"I am not interested in the other clubs like Pudsey Congs. It is how Cleckheaton does that interests me. There is a lot of potential here but there are certain areas that need to be strengthened.

"Our target this season is to avoid a relegation battle. Then we can get ourselves in a position to challenge the so-called bigger clubs."