Keedy switches to Surrey

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Veteran left-arm spinner Gary Keedy has ended his 18-year association with Lancashire to join Surrey.

Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation not to play for England, the 37-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Kia Oval.

During his time at Lancashire, Keedy picked up over 800 wickets across all forms and was a key member of the team that secured the LV= County Championship title in 2011.

However, the emergence of England Lions spinner Simon Kerrigan limited his involvement this summer and he will now move on to pastures new.

“I have had a fantastic 18 seasons at Lancashire and would like to thank all the players, staff and members there for everything they have done for me,” said Keedy.

“Winning the County Championship in 2011 was an incredible moment for both the club and myself and one that will stay with me forever. Working with Simon Kerrigan and Stephen Parry over the last few years has also been very rewarding and I feel they can go forward and play a big role for Lancashire in the future.

“However, I have reached the time in my career when I need to move on in order to fulfil my ambitions and I am very excited to be joining Surrey at this time. They are a great club with a long history and an exciting future and I am really looking forward to playing my part over the next few seasons.”

After spending the best part of two decades with Lancashire, left-arm spinner Gary Keedy has joined Surrey until the end of the 2014 campaign

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson, a former team-mate of Keedy, paid tribute to a player who will be remembered fondly at Old Trafford.

“Gary has been a fantastic servant to Lancashire County Cricket Club over many seasons, both on and off the field,” Watkinson stated.

“At Lancashire we have up-and-coming spinners Simon Kerrigan, Stephen Parry and Arron Lilley all looking to stake a claim and with Gary being at the latter end of his playing career he wants the opportunity of playing as much cricket as possible.

“Gary asked our permission to look at other options and he goes with our best wishes. We would like to thank him for his outstanding service to the club and we wish him well with his future endeavours.”

Surrey team director Chris Adams added: “Gary Keedy has been one of the leading bowlers in county cricket for over a decade and I am delighted he will be joining us for the next two seasons.

“As well as his fantastic ability with the ball, he will play a valuable role in the dressing room throughout the year - helping to impart his experience to the younger members of our squad.”

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