SOMERSET head coach Jason Kerr believes his players may benefit from "going under the radar" at T20 finals day this weekend.

Kerr was involved in the coaching staff when star-studded Somerset sides reached finals day four times in a row between 2009 and 2012, and believes there are lessons that can be learned from coming away empty handed on those occasions.

Looking ahead to Somerset's return to the showpiece occasion, Kerr told the County Gazette: “It’s incredibly exciting and a great reward for the players and the club. 

“I guess we got a bit complacent going to a few in a row [Somerset qualified every year between 2009 and 2012] but now it’s been a while since we’ve been there, so everyone is really looking forward to it.

“I was involved in a different capacity [at previous finals days] and I’ve learned lessons in terms of how to approach the day.  We’ve got some experienced guys in James Hildreth and Peter Trego who can feed from that. 

“For the rest it is fresh, they have no emotional baggage and they will be looking forward to making their mark on the day.

"What’s been so pleasing through the group stage is how different people have stepped up – we are not relying on one person continually. It may have been Kieswetter in years gone by, relying on that fantastic start he sometimes gave us, whereas here the guys have absolute trust in each other and know that contributions will come from 1-11. That’s the exciting thing about this team.

"On the day they [Somerset's semi-final opponents Sussex] will get a lot of the attention because of their bowling attack, but I quite like the fact we will be under the radar as it allows us to concentrate on what we need to do.

"It means there is no external pressure. No-one is shouting from the rooftops about us being favourites, whereas in previous years we may have been, so we can go there and enjoy the day.

“Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the occasion, playing the same brand of cricket we have been playing and making sure we don’t create any additional pressure."

Somerset take on Sussex in the day’s second semi-final at 2.30pm (the final begins at 6.45pm), though they will be backed by only 500 supporters at Edgbaston due to the limited number of tickets made available to counties by the ECB.

Kerr said: “It is disappointing to get to an occasion as prestigious as finals day and see that it is sold out already, with only 500 tickets available for what is a phenomenal membership. 

“We are incredibly well supported and I feel for those that have supported us throughout the tournament but haven’t been able to get a ticket.”

As a former player, and having been involved in Somerset’s coaching staff for over a decade, Kerr is well aware of how much a trophy would mean to the club.

“It would be huge,” he said.

“We are going there to try and win the trophy but, for me, this is the start of a journey. 

“We’ve put a smile back on people’s faces with how we’ve played this year. We’ll go there, give it our best and aim for the right results. It would mean a hell of a lot.”

Spinner Max Waller, who has impressed throughout the competition so far, added: “It is the best occasion of the season for a county player. 

“It’s been a long wait since last time, so I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s a stepping stone at the moment – there’s a lot more to come from this side in all formats. What we are building at Somerset is really special. Hopefully we can bring back the trophy."