Gibson eyes final flourish

Ottis Gibson claims he wants to stay involved at Durham after the end of the current season

Ottis Gibson admits he will leave with a heavy heart if this season proves to be his last with Durham.

The 38-year-old’s stunning form has arguably been the most heart-warming tale of a summer which has seen Durham lift two trophies and remain in with a shout of a third.

The Friends Provident Trophy winners and NatWest Pro40 Division Two champions go into their final LV County Championship match against Kent at Canterbury harbouring ambitions of pipping Lancashire and Sussex to top spot.

Gibson, whose 10-wicket haul against Hampshire in July remains the outstanding individual performance this year, admits he is unsure what the future holds beyond the end of the season.

Durham are drawing up a new contract which would offer the former West Indies all-rounder the route back into coaching - a role he took up prior to returning to play for Leicestershire in 2004.

“Some of the lads still tell me I’ve had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus,” said Gibson.

“It will be very difficult to leave the place now - to go and play somewhere else would be almost impossible and I very much want to be involved here.

“In an ideal world I will play one more season and then move into a coaching position at Durham - but we don’t necessary live in an ideal world.”

Gibson has been adopted as the bowling guru by his fellow Durham pacemen Graham Onions and Liam Plunkett, who will be key to the chances of success against Kent.

“I am trying to teach the art of fast bowling and it is not always about technique - it is often about mental attitude, knowing when you can run and be aggressive, and when to use the conditions,” Gibson said.

“It is fair to say I am a better bowler now than when I was trying to play international cricket.

“When I realised I couldn’t play for West Indies any more I fell out of love with the game.

“But when I came back it sunk in how much I missed playing and I made it the most important thing.

“Yes, my body hurts because I am 38, but if you love it and are committed to it, you make the most of every minute.”