RICHARD Bedbrook is hoping to transform Wiltshire from nearly men into national champions after being re-appointed county captain.

The Beckenham all-rounder led the Moonrakers to the semi-final of the Knockout Trophy in 2006 and to third place in the Western Division of the Minor Counties Championship.

Bedbrook plans to go one better next summer and has already set his sights on a second Lord's final appearance in three seasons.

Wiltshire's previous visit to the home of cricket in 2004 was abandoned without a ball being bowled and Bedbrook is determined to book a return visit.

He said: "As a county we don't want to stand still. By the time next summer comes along we will be raring to go.

"It's nice to be named captain for a second season and it gives me a chance to build on what the team has achieved this year.

"We played some excellent cricket this summer and I would like to think some of that came from how I wanted the lads to play positively in every session."

Bedbrook believes the key to Wiltshire's success in 2006 was the camaraderie in the county camp.

He says the Wiltshire dressing room is the best team atmosphere he has ever played in.

"When I started I wanted to carry on the excellent team spirit Russell Rowe had created." he said.

"Spirit is something this team has got in abundance and it helps us to find that little bit extra against the talented teams.

"There's no pretentious characters in the squad. Everybody is so down to earth and we all want each other to do well."

The emergence of talented teenagers Liam Dawson, Eddie Abel and James Hayward as county stars of the future has given Bedbrook and the Wiltshire board much cause for optimism.

Dawson and Abel are currently plying their trade Down Under in a bid to enhance their first class credentials in England.

Said Bedbrook: "Liam and Eddie have both had fantastic seasons, and James realised his enormous potential in the last match of the summer.

"It's great for the future of Wiltshire that they can all perform at this level at such a young age. They are still learning the game and will no doubt get even better."

Bedbrook himself enjoyed a successful season in his first year as captain. He made 219 runs at an average of over 43 and took 19 wickets at under 28 apiece.

But the skipper insists he would rather be part of a winning Wiltshire team than celebrate any personal performances.

"There's no point playing if you're not looking to improve. We will be hoping for some silverware next season," he said.