Kirby to leave Gloucestershire

Steve Kirby, bowling for the Lions this summer, wants to play international cricket before the end of his career

Gloucestershire have granted Steve Kirby’s request to be released from his contract in order to pursue a career with a top-flight county and compete for England honours.

The 32-year-old seamer has played for England A and England Lions while at Bristol, but despite an enviable first-class record of 464 wickets at an average of 28, he has never won full international honours.

Kirby is released from the final two years of his contract at Gloucestershire, whom he joined in late 2004 from Yorkshire.

He has now expressed his desire to join a county in Division One of the LV= County Championship before the start of next season, which he believes will give him greater exposure to the England selectors.

Kirby said: “This decision has not been an easy one, especially given the fact that I had been awarded a benefit next year.

“But I am very ambitious and still have the desire and hunger to win things and to achieve my dream of one day playing for England.

“I don't want to finish my career with any regrets and wonder what might have been. I definitely have unfinished business and there are many things I still want to achieve in this game.

“I am really excited about this next challenge in my career wherever it may take me.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gloucestershire for their support in this decision and would like to thank the people at the club who have helped me and made me feel so welcome in my time here.

“I wish everybody at the club the very best of success for the future.”

Gloucestershire stressed their credentials as a county capable of producing England players, with young players such as David Payne and Chris Dent appearing recently for England Under-19s.

Chief executive Tom Richardson said: “We are not going to stand in Steve’s way now that he has expressed a wish to continue his career elsewhere.

“He has done very well for us over six seasons on the field and has made a big contribution.

“Off the field he has been equally positive in a variety of areas particularly in coaching and as the chairman of the Young Gladiators. We want to thank him for his service to the club and wish him well for the future.

“Plans were already in place to rejuvenate the squad by signing some younger players over the next couple of years and we will bring these forward.

“We have had five players represent England Under-19s over the past two years and Steve’s departure will create further opportunities for these younger players.”