CHIEF executive David Leatherdale believes Worcestershire are now in a “stronger position” to deal with the challenge of trying to stay in LV= County Championship Division One after gaining promotion.

The County secured their fifth promotion in 12 years but have yo-yoed between the two divisions and only once stayed up for more than one season in 2011 before being relegated the following summer.

But Leatherdale feels Worcestershire are now better equipped for the demanding battles ahead in 2015.

He said: “We’ve been up and down, a yo-yo team for the last four or five years, and we’ve possibly not been in a stronger position than now to try and stay up there.

“Financially, it’s been tough the last four or five years and everyone said last time we went up it was one or two years too soon.

“Well hopefully now, with what we’ve done at the ground and where we are, we are certainly in a better position.

“The signing of Alex Gidman last week shows the intent that we want to go up there and stay there.

“We will lose Moeen Ali to England. He may play one or two games and if he does, they will be a bonus. But the proof has been in the pudding this year.

“Saeed Ajmal got wickets at the start of the season but we also had Jack Shantry and Charlie Morris with 50 wickets-plus, Daryl Mitchell with 1,300 runs and people like Joe Leach with 30-odd wickets and 500-plus runs.

“We’ve fought really hard and, while it will be tough in Division One, the aim is to go up and stay up this time.”