Last updated on .From the section Cricket

Steven Croft has been on Lancashire's books since 2005

Lancashire must avoid becoming a "yo-yo" club moving between the divisions, says vice-captain Steven Croft.

The Red Rose, back in Division Two this year, have been promoted or relegated in each of the last three seasons.

All-rounder Croft, 30, was appointed understudy to new captain Tom Smith by Lancashire boss Ashley Giles.

"In my eyes we definitely want to go up, we don't want to be looming around Division Two for longer than we need to be," Croft told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"At the same time we want to try to build a side who can compete for next season as well.

"We don't want to keep yo-yoing. We want to get that stability and consistency that will keep us up in Division One and competing for the title as well."

The rise and fall of Lancashire 2011: Division One - champions 2012: Division One - relegated 2013: Division Two - champions 2014: Division One - relegated

After their relegation, new director of cricket and head coach Giles, 41, took over in October replacing Mike Watkinson and captain Glen Chapple, who has moved to a player-coach role for the upcoming campaign.

The former England spinner has recruited Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle and former South Africa opener Alviro Petersen as they look for an immediate return to Division One.

"They're the two areas we needed," added Croft. "With our batting we needed strengthening. I think Alviro will hopefully contribute and I think our homegrown batters have got to contribute more as well.

"Obviously with Chapple's dual role and losing Kyle Hogg I think Siddle is a great replacement for that as well."