Sussex coach Mark Robinson has revealed that he expects his team to challenge for the Division One title this season.
After finishing fourth last year, Sussex are seen as one of the main contenders to defending champions Warwickshire's title, and Robinson insists that they are going in the right direction.
"To get in a position where we had a sniff of winning was a great effort. We surprised ourselves and a few others," he told BBC Sussex. "That gives us real belief that if we stay very humble and work really hard, which will be the key thing, we can continue to surprise a few people.
"I've got real belief in the squad that we are going in the right direction.
"I don't see any reason why we can't do well. We have got a good balance and it's just a matter of performing."
Sussex begin their season against Yorkshire on Wednesday.
