Hamilton-Brown seals Surrey return

Rory Hamilton-Brown returns to Surrey after two years at Sussex - having accepted his "dream of a lifetime" job

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Rory Hamilton-Brown will captain Surrey next season after Sussex reluctantly agreed to release him from his contract.

The 22-year-old had one year remaining on his contract at Hove, but today signed a three-year deal to return to Surrey.

It brings to an end Surrey cricket manager Chris Adams’ much-publicised pursuit of Hamilton-Brown, a former England Under-19 skipper who will succeed Stewart Walters as skipper at the Brit Oval despite having played only eight first-class matches.

“It has taken a considerable amount of soul-searching to reach this decision and I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to Sussex for the fantastic support they have given me and their understanding of my final decision,” said Hamilton-Brown.

“I leave the club with great memories and the club, the players and the coaches have played a major part in my development as a player.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that returning to Surrey as captain is the dream of a lifetime for me personally as well as a massive honour and a huge responsibility.

“I will make sure I fulfil the confidence that Surrey and, specifically, Chris Adams have shown in me and I am determined to help bring the club success in the future.”

Hamilton-Brown spent just two seasons at Sussex, having moved to the south coast in search of regular first-team cricket after asking to be released by Surrey in 2007.

Although his first-class opportunities have been limited at Hove, he played a key role in Sussex’s Twenty20 Cup and NatWest Pro40 success this season.

However, after Sussex granted Surrey permission to speak to Hamilton-Brown two weeks ago, and Adams made public his admiration of the player, there seemed little doubt over the move.

Adams flew to South Africa to meet Hamilton-Brown, who was on duty with the England Performance Programme, and a deal to bring the off-spinning all-rounder back to Surrey was agreed.

“To me, captains have to have certain attributes such as charisma, a galvanising spirit, intelligent and tactical brains and the ability to inspire people to follow them. Rory Hamilton-Brown has these in abundance,” said Adams, who captained Hamilton-Brown during his time in charge of Sussex.

Hamilton-Brown during his first spell at Surrey. Stewart Walters, the man he will succeed as captain, stands by his side

“When I flew to South Africa to meet him I was sure that the addition of Rory to our squad will give us stability, unity and strong leadership for many years to come and enable us – for the first time in two years – to provide consistent leadership on the field of the play.

“I am confident that the return of Rory Hamilton-Brown to Surrey at the start of a new decade will come to be seen as a defining moment in the turnaround of this club.”

While Sussex were keen to keep Hamilton-Brown, professional cricket manager Mark Robinson revealed they would not do so at the risk of jeopardising the famed team spirit at Hove.

“Our aim since we signed Rory was to work on his undoubted potential to create an England cricketer and we believe that we have made good progress along that path,” Robinson said.

“Our view remains that he would have been best served remaining with Sussex as a key part of our first-team squad, in all forms of the game for 2010, to achieve that ambition.

“However, Rory is adamant he would like to take this opportunity to captain Surrey and, given the importance of our strong united team spirit in the dressing room, myself and the captain believe it is best for Sussex to allow him to move.

“Rory has been a pleasure to work with during his two seasons at Sussex and the whole coaching staff wish him all the best in his new role.”

While Sussex lament the loss of a highly-regarded young player, chairman Jim May confirmed they received a “significant compensation payment” from Surrey to cover the final year of Hamilton-Brown’s contract.

He added: “We are disappointed that Rory has made this choice. It was only the exceptional circumstances - Rory's opportunity to become captain - that led us to reluctantly grant consent to his departure.”

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: “The two clubs have always enjoyed an excellent relationship and we are most grateful to Sussex for their co-operation during the last few weeks.”

Hamilton-Brown looks set to return to Hove as early as April 15, for Surrey's second LV= County Championship Division Two match of the 2010 campaign.