17 / 36
16 17
autograph signers and - of course, in the
Cricket Has Landed era - an occasional
film star.
In the Autumn surroundings of
Nottingham Castle’s grounds, reimagining
Mull as a northern, rugged James Bond
might not be too much of a stretch.
He could even make a fairly authentic
Robin Hood.
Steven Mullaney is Nottinghamshire
through and through.
“Nottinghamshire is home,” he said. “I
love every minute of being here.”
So content is Mullaney in his current
surroundings, he can’t even remember
how many years are left on his contract.
It’s irrelevant.Trent Bridge is the only
place for him.
“I’ve got some time left on my contract,
In the word of Wayne Noon,
Nottinghamshire Assistant Manager,
“every team’s got aMullaney.”
EVERY TEAM’S
GOT A
two or three years - I can’t remember. I
don’t want to play anywhere else,” he said.
As with so much of Mick Newell’s
recruitment, the Nottinghamshire
Director of Cricket didn’t sign the
finished article when he swooped for
Mullaney.
The Outlaws boss used his eye for talent
before backing himself - and his coaching
team - to ensure that the all-rounder’s
potential was realised.
Since then, the former Lancashire man
has played 78 first class matches for the
county and 146 games with the white ball.
His record with the bat, in all three
competitions, is decent. His performances
with the ball in 50-over andTwenty20
cricket, exemplary.
Mullaney has repaid Newell’s faith in
spades - or, more literally, in runs, wickets
and enviable economy rates - however, a
humble debt of gratitude still remains.
“It sounds a bit cheesy, but I owe Mick my
whole career because he took a punt on
me,” said Mullaney.
“I played aTwenty20 against
Nottinghamshire for Lancashire in 2009,
got 1-21 off three overs and fielded okay.
“My agent rang me afterwards and said
Mick was interested and wanted to chat
to me.
“I met up with him at a hotel on the M6,
he sold the Club to me and it was a no-
brainer for me to join.
“I’ve heard a lot of people call him the
Alex Ferguson of cricket,” Mullaney added
with an air of mischief, knowing that
Newell is a lifelong Liverpool fan.