SOMERSET are due to play their first pre-season friendly in two weeks' time when they take on Gloucestershire on March 25, but for new skipper Marcus Trescothick the 2010 campaign just can't get going soon enough.

The former England opener said: "There is a real buzz about the place and everybody is hugely excited: we just want to get out there onto the pitch. The ground is looking fantastic, the sun is shining and the players are all coming along well so now we just want to crack on with it.

"This will be my 18th season playing for the county which is a long time. However, I am still really enjoying myself playing for Somerset and looking forward to the buzz of getting out there in the middle and leading the side out, which has always been dream of mine.

Trescothick added: "This is a hugely exciting time for me and I cant wait until the first time I finally do it!"

With expectations high at the County Ground following two promotion-challenging seasons in Division One of the LV Championship, the Cidermen can expect their traditional strong support and Trescothick knows the fans will again play an important part this season.

He said: "We need the support we have had over the previous years and need to improve upon that from our side of it. If we can get that support then they will provide us with that extra man we need to get through tough times."

Talking about the squad for the coming campaign Trescothick said: "With the new signings we have made there are likely to be some tough decisions to be made regarding selection, but that's a good predicament to be in."

Another player who just can't wait to get going is new signing Nick Compton. The top order batsman was at the County Ground recently to meet up with his new team-mates and get himself kitted out for the coming season.

The former Middlesex batsman who enjoyed considerable success in both championship and one-day cricket in 2009 and knows from past experience that he is joining a potent club.

He said: "I have played against Marcus a few times and watched him playing on television many times and smashing it to all parts. I admire him as a player and he seems very down to earth and a different sort of character to [former captain] Justin Langer.

"What I have noticed in the short time I have been here is the whole ethos about the place. Somerset is developing as a place of excellence and the club and the players seem to be actively pushing to reach the highest standards all the time."

Compton is also eager to taste the atmosphere at Taunton's compact County Ground, which can be one of the most atmospheric grounds in the country on high-profile occasions.

The Cidermen's latest recruit said: "With the club being right in the middle of the town it gives people a real focus. To have passionate fans who are passionate about their cricket and wear their hearts on their sleeve supporting the club is something I am looking forward to and is another hugely exciting aspect of coming to join Somerset."

Compton added: "It is always exciting coming to a new club because there are new people to meet and new relationships to build which makes it exciting. These are new times for me and new times for Somerset and I can't wait to get going."