The 26-year-old will play a vital role in rebuilding the Meerkats - a founding team of Grassmere Cricket Association which was forced to withdraw from the competition last season due to a lack of numbers.

Lenehan has left the only club he has ever played cricket for - Nirranda - to take on the captain-coach job at Grassmere.

"Everyone's keen to get it back going after the year off," he said.

"No one likes to see a club fold or go into recess.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge but everyone's looking forward to getting a competitive side back up and running."

The Meerkats held their annual general meeting on Monday night.

They are hoping to field A and B grade sides.

"I've got a list of about 30 guys who I'm ringing," Lenehan said.

"We've got about 10 definites so far, so it's looking pretty promising.

"There's still some people I have to call but I'll wait until they're finished footy."

Lenehan played for Nirranda in Warrnambool and District Cricket Association division two last season.

The Warrnambool resi?dent said he was departing the club on good terms.

"It was tough to leave after 12 or 13 years there but I think it's also good to have a change and to see how another club runs," he said.

"Nirranda's been really good and a few people have said I'm welcome back anytime."

The opening batsman and left-arm medium-pacer is entering his first season as a coach.

"It's going to be different than just rocking up on a Saturday," Lenehan said yesterday.

"I suppose it's your responsibility to make sure everyone's right to go and stuff like that."

The club is holding a meet-the-coach day on September 11, with interested players encouraged to attend.