Ryan Sidebottom To Leave Nottinghamshire

Ryan Sidebottom To Leave Nottinghamshire

Ryan Sidebottom is to leave Nottinghamshire at the end of the season

©Action Images / Scott Heavey Livepic

England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom is to leave Nottinghamshire at the end of the season after the two parties failed to agree terms on a new contract.

“I didn’t want to leave the club but this is the last contract I will sign as a professional cricketer and I wanted the security of a three year deal,” Sidebottom said.

“There was a two year deal on the table for me and a three year deal with certain stipulations but they didn’t suit me and so I have to move on.”

Sidebottom, capped once in Tests and twice in One-Day Interantionals while a Yorkshire player, moved to Nottinghamshire in 2004, going on to play 21 further Tests, 23 ODIs and 16 Twenty20 Internationals, including helping England to the ICC World Twenty20 final earlier this year.

"Ryan has made an exceptional contribution during his time here and I’m disappointed to be losing him,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“The stumbling block wasn’t money but the length of the contract on offer.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he will make a big contribution at his next club and I’m grateful that he has given us exceptional service throughout the best years of his career.”

Sidebottom added: “Winning the Championship would be the perfect way to sign off and that’s what I’m focussed on. 

“I’ve made a lot of great friends in the dressing room and the supporters have been great to me and I am happy to be departing on good terms.

“I’m an uncomplicated cricketer in that I give my all in every game and hopefully my team mates and the Nottinghamshire members and supporters have appreciated that.

“I never planned to leave but I have to protect the best interests of my family and that is ultimately why I have made this decision.”

© Cricket World 2010