SOMERSET wicketkeeper-batsman Steve Davies is ready to kick on as he enters his second season at the club.

The 31-year-old admitted he took time to settle in last time out but, despite a disappointing start, he ended the season as Somerset’s leading County Championship run scorer after showing his class in the home straight.

Centuries against Surrey and Lancashire, both in Taunton, were an integral part of Somerset’s survival bid, though the wicketkeeper was candid in his assessment of his first campaign at the club.

“I had a really poor season last year,” he said.

“I think it took me a while to settle into life in Somerset, having moved from London.

"These are excuses that I don't really want to use - my game just wasn't up to scratch last year.

"So I will definitely be trying to continue on from my form at the end of last year, start the season well, have a big year and see where I can get to.

"I think [a faster start] is crucial. Whether it's getting good solid draws or winning games, that gives us a good chance come the back end of the season.

"As we saw last year, our last four games we won three of them, so a solid start would stand us in good stead.”

Like his teammates at last week’s press day, Davies was keen to praise the atmosphere that has been instilled by the new regime, made up of the returning Andy Hurry and head coach Jason Kerr.

"It's been great - obviously I knew Jason from last year, and though his title has changed, not that much has changed in terms of the preparation he does and the way we work together,” he said.

"I didn't really know Andy before, so we went out for a coffee and I got to know him.

"He's a pretty inspirational guy, very organised and very professional.

"I think it's working really well, and there's been a good buzz around the dressing room and the whole place.”

Such a buzz is common at this time of year, of course, and every county feels similarly optimistic before a ball has been bowled, but Davies went on to explain just why he thinks there is such a cause for optimism around the County Ground.

"I think we've got a nice balance in the squad,” he said.

“We've got the experience of Tres, Hildy and myself, mixed with the likes of Craig Overton - who's played a lot of cricket for someone younger - and then the youngsters like Eddie [Byrom] and George [Bartlett] who are making their way in the game.

"Eddie had a solid start last year without getting that really big score, but he did that against Ireland this week and looked really good.

“I think he's matured over the winter, going to Zimbabwe and playing there, so he's a real prospect - not just for us but for England as well.

"George Bartlett is supremely talented, he's had success at Under-19 level, and although he's still finding his feet at the moment he's got all the qualities to be a very, very good player.”

One of the key reasons supporters were so pleased with the signing of Davies ahead of last season was due to his ability across all formats.

His white-ball form was similar to that in the longer format, with a slow start preceding an upturn in fortunes as the competitions wore on.

Davies played particularly well in the televised T20 matches, scoring 62 from just 32 balls against Kent in the group stages before contributing a quickfire 59 in the quarter-final against eventual winners Nottinghamshire.

The former Surrey man’s form will be crucial in defining Somerset’s limited-overs fortunes again this season, and he is confident they can compete.

"I think we're a dangerous side [in one-day cricket],” he said.

“Last year we played with no fear, especially in the T20, and that took us a long way, considering the year before wasn't a very good campaign.

"If we can go with that mentality again this year, then who knows what can happen."

Somerset start their campaign against Davies' old club Worcestershire on Friday, April 20 - pick up this Thursday's County Gazette for a season preview pull-out.