SPONDON batsman Sam Kellogg is stepping down as first-team captain after three years in the role.

Kellogg, who led Spondon to the Derbyshire Premier League title last year, feels he has taken the side as far as he can as skipper.

"I have done the job for three years and put my heart and soul into it," said the 25-year-old.

"I have tried to raise the standards at the club and I think I have done that.

"I have given as much as I can and I feel I can't take the club forward any further.

"So I've decided to get out while the going is not too bad. Things need freshening up a bit.

"I have really enjoyed being captain and I would have done it again next year but I think for the good of the team, it would be better if somebody else took over.

"It is important to know when your time is up – you don't want to keep plodding on year after year.

"Being captain is a lot of responsibility and this decision will take the pressure of me a bit and allow me to concentrate on my own game.

"At times, I have done everything for the club and it will be nice to just turn up and play."

This season has been a traumatic one for Spondon. First, their regular opening bowler, Steve Attenborough, unexpectedly left the club, then their South African overseas signing Warren Bell was sent home in disgrace following allegations of an illicit relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

However, although they could not retain their title, they claimed fourth place in the Premier League and won the local Twenty20 competition, the Jackson Cup.

"We've not had a poor year but it's not been as good as we'd have liked," said Kellogg.

"There has been some turmoil at the club this year, with losing players and then the situation with the overseas player.

"It was always going to be difficult to repeat what we did last year but, all things considered, I was quite pleased."

Reflecting on his time as captain, he added: "It has been a really good three years. We have gone from a mediocre Division One side to an established Premier League side.

"It is important now that we maintain the standards we have set ourselves.

"I will still be involved in player recruitment during the close season and we have already got some irons in the fire as we plan for next year.

"And I will still contribute to the team. I will step back and let the new captain get on with their job but I will be more than happy to offer help and advice should they need it."