Simpson relishing Newbuildings return after three years at Fox Lodge

Teenage wicketkeeper-batter Charlie Simpson is looking forward to a fresh challenge after deciding to return to treble winners Newbuildings following three successful seasons with Fox Lodge.

The 19-year-old has developed into one of the North West's most promising young players during his time at Ballymagorry, and his return to Foyleview will provide another boost to a Newbuildings side that swept all before them during a magnificent 2026 campaign.

Simpson enjoyed a productive season with the bat, scoring 408 runs at an average of 24, including a century and a half-century. He was also impressive behind the stumps, claiming 20 dismissals – 17 catches and three stumpings – to finish fourth in the Premiership wicketkeeping charts.

However, despite the attraction of joining the reigning champions, Simpson admitted that leaving Fox Lodge had been far from straightforward.

"It wasn't an easy decision to leave Fox Lodge as I really enjoyed my cricket there and made some great friends, having not known any of the lads when signing three years ago," he said.

"I am so thankful to Fox Lodge for giving me my chance in senior cricket and also backing me, even during times where I wasn't maybe scoring as many runs as I should have."

Simpson was particularly appreciative of the work put in by Gayan Maneeshan, who helped him develop his wicketkeeping skills during his three seasons at the club.

"I am going back to Newbuildings now a far better wicketkeeper and again that was down to Gayan, who worked with me for the past three years."

The teenager believes returning to familiar surroundings will make the transition easier, although he is well aware that expectations will be considerably higher at a club accustomed to challenging for silverware.

"I am looking forward to the 2027 season now with Newbuildings and going back into a changing room where I know all the boys, so I won't be needing any time to settle in and get to know people. Hopefully that will help me to hit the ground running come April."

Having established himself at senior level with Fox Lodge, Simpson is now keen to take the next step in his development by testing himself in a team where winning trophies has become something of a habit.

"Playing with Newbuildings will be a different challenge because over the past few years they have always been in and around challenging for major honours, so that will bring an added pressure at times. But I will not shy away. That is the next step in my development and something I am hoping can bring out the best in me with bat and gloves."

For Newbuildings, the signing adds another talented young cricketer to an already formidable squad as they prepare to defend their three trophies in 2027. For Simpson, it represents both a homecoming and an opportunity to establish himself among the leading wicketkeeper-batters in the region.

"Hopefully the Newbuildings team can continue to be successful and being part of that will only benefit me to progress as a cricketer, as there is still plenty of room for me to improve."

It is a move that appears to suit both parties, with Simpson eager to embrace the pressure and expectations that come with pulling on the Newbuildings shirt once again.