Ferley returns to Kent

Rob Ferley last played for Kent in 2006 © Getty Images

Kent have signed their former left-arm spinner Rob Ferley on a two-year deal, with Robert Key re-appointed as captain for the 2009 season.

Ferley recently declined a new contract deal with Nottinghamshire and is looking forward to playing again for Kent, for whom he last featured in 2006.

“It is great news that Rob Ferley has decided to return to Kent after his time with Notts,” chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said.

“The playing programme in 2009 and 2010 is in transition and spinners have a key part to play. Rob is hungry to continue the impact he has had in long and short forms of one-day cricket and to make the breakthrough in four-day cricket.”

There was never any real doubt that Key would fall out of favour after leading Kent to the final of the Friends Provident Trophy and the Twenty20 Cup in 2008, but the club’s policy is to make the appointment on an annual basis.

“I am delighted to announce Rob Key’s re-appointment as captain for the 2009 season,” Johnson added.

“His experience of leading teams has been recognised by his county peer group and he is currently in India with the England Performance Squad.

“He continues to demonstrate fine leadership qualities in all forms of cricket and I know he is determined to achieve the success which so narrowly eluded the Kent team last summer.

“His performances as captain and as a batsman warrant recognition at international level where he has had success in the past.”