Leicestershire win race for Hoggard

Matthew Hoggard was released by Yorkshire, despite a solid season in which he took 43 LV= County Championship wickets

Matthew Hoggard has signed a three-year contract at Leicestershire, and will become the club’s captain next season.

The 32-year-old former England seamer, who was also offered a three-year deal by Sussex, has agreed on a further option to extend his deal at Grace Road into the 2013 season.

Hoggard was released by Yorkshire in October after talks over a new contract at Headingley Carnegie broke down, ending a 15-year association with his native county.

Hoggard said: “I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of joining Leicestershire and taking charge of a young and talented squad.

“I was flattered by the amount of interest and support shown towards me from all quarters, but Leicestershire really stood out in terms of offering something different and at this stage of my career it will provide the new challenge I want.

“I’ve always wanted to test myself and I feel I still have a huge amount to offer the game. Working with (senior coach) Tim Boon I hope we can take Leicestershire onwards and upwards.”

Hoggard played the last of his 67 Tests in England’s tour to New Zealand in 2008. He has taken 668 first-class wickets in his career.

Hoggard is the third recent signing for Leicestershire, alongside Will Jefferson, who joined from Nottinghamshire, and James Benning, who moves following a loan spell from Surrey last season.

Hoggard takes over the captaincy from South African Boeta Dippenaar, who will not return next season.

Leicestershire chief executive David Smith said: “Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience having played for England on 67 occasions, taking 248 Test match wickets.

“He will also take over the club captaincy and will be an ideal role model for all our young cricketers at the club.”

Leicestershire had already announced the signing of Andrew McDonald as overseas player for 2010, but the county are considering an additional non-qualified player for the Friends Provident t20 competition.

A possible short list of targets is currently being compiled by Boon for consideration.