Ferley leaves Nottinghamshire

Spinner Rob Ferley will leave Nottinghamshire after turning down a new two-year deal at Trent Bridge.

The 26-year-old left-armer, formerly of Kent, is expected to sign with a county closer to London in the next few days.

Ferley’s first-team opportunities were limited in 2008, as he found off-spinner Graeme Swann, and then fellow left-armer Samit Patel, hard to dislodge.

“I enjoyed all aspects of my time at Notts and if I was playing regularly then I would have committed my future to the club,” said Ferley.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I’m not going to be the number one spinner with the likes of Graeme Swann and Samit Patel around.”

Ferley, born in Norwich, joined Notts from Kent at the end of 2006 after four seasons at Canterbury.

Ferley was a regular in the Outlaws' Twenty20 side this year, playing seven matches and taking nine wickets at an impressive average of 18.

Rob Ferley is run out by Gareth Cross in the Twenty20 Cup match with Lancashire Lightning

His nerveless spell of 3-17 to seal the win over Durham Dynamos marked the highpoint of his season.

But he played just a single game in the Friends Provident Trophy and NatWest Pro40 competitions. He was not called upon in the LV County Championship until the drawn match against Sussex at Hove in August, where he took 2-136.

He was more impressive in Second XI cricket, bowling Notts to victory against Worcestershire's second-string at the Nottingham Sports Ground with match figures of 9-91.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell praised Ferley’s contribution to the club.

“Rob would have had more of a role to play next year but he feels that he is joining a club where he can be a first choice spinner,” said Newell.

“He played a big part for us in the Twenty20 Cup and NatWest Pro40 and never let us down.

“But his opportunities were limited by Samit Patel’s development. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Newell suggested he may look locally for a replacement for Ferley.

“We’ll have to do some work to see who’s available,” said Newell.

“We may be able to sign an established player or develop some younger talent. There are a couple of players in the Notts Premier League that we have kept an eye on so we’ll keep our options open.”