Ronnie Irani led his Essex cricketers into their annual Southend festival on Wednesday with a swipe at the "moaners" who are making life hell for him and his team-mates.

The larger-than-life Essex captain said: "There are a number of the county's members and a large section of the media who are making life hell for us.

"If they're unhappy, how do they think I'm feeling right now?

More information about Essex County Cricket Club's 2001 season "We know we are underachieving, but even on the few occasions when we have done well, these people are determined only to see only the negative side of our game.

"They are constantly on our backs and don't appear to be happy unless we are bottom of everything.

"We desperately want our fans to get right behind us, not against us. My lads are sweating blood, but we all know it is still not good enough. Constantly being hit with a big stick never got the best out of anyone."

Irani said the recent outburst by Essex overseas star Stuart Law blasted the dressing room door wide open and inflicted a wound so deep it will take some time to get over.

He said: "Stuart's words rocked the club to its very foundations and have left a number of the younger players shell-shocked and reeling from the intensity of his public revelations.

"We've always done the best for Stuart at this county and following some clear-the-air talks, everyone -- including the club's hiararchy -- is aware of our shortcomings and are already striving to put things right.

"Stuart has promised to give me his all until the end of the season and as a man of honour I want to give him that chance.

"As captain I have to remain upbeat and keep the lads' spirits up. If I don't I know the younger players, who are trying so hard to get things right, will get down in the dumps even more than they are already.

"I'm determined to get things right, given the chance, but it can't be done overnight.

"I'm no bluffer. It's not Ronnie Irani's way to just sit around for an easy life.

"I'm determined to build an Essex squad that is going to be strong again.

"We might be bottom of both the Championship and National League tables, but sacking people will achieve nothing.

"Rome wasn't built in a day and when you start sacking people you don't only get tears, you get blood also."

Bowling attack - under-fire Essex skipper Ronnie Irani in action

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.