Sidebottom heads out of Notts

Ryan Sidebottom, who returned from a thigh injury this season, sought an unconditional three-year deal that Notts would not agree to

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

Keen to secure a three-year deal, the 32-year-old England seamer rejected Nottinghamshire’s offer of an unconditional two-year contract and a performance-related three-year contract and will now consider offers from other counties.

Sidebottom has pledged to stay with the LV= County Championship leaders until the end of the season as they chase the Division One title and Clydesdale Bank 40 trophy.

“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,” said Sidebottom.

“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 joined Notts from his native Yorkshire in 2004, and years of sustained success led to his recall by England in 2007, six years after winning a single Test cap and playing two one-day internationals.

Sidebottom has taken 292 first-class wickets since moving to Trent Bridge, 79 of them for England in Test cricket.

He was also a member of the side that won the 2010 World Twenty20, England’s first major ICC trophy.

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

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

Sidebottom, seen here celebrating reaching Friends Provident t20 finals day, has promised to finish the season with Notts

“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 has underlined his intention to remain at Notts until their final match of 2010 as they pursue their first pennant since 2005. Notts currently lead Division One by four points.

Inconvenienced by a thigh problem that led to his early return from England’s tour of Bangladesh, Sidebottom has since taken 26 wickets in seven first-class matches for Notts.

“Winning the championship would be the perfect way to sign off and that’s what I’m focused on,” added Sidebottom.

“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.”