Kirby leaves Gloucestershire

Paceman wants to further his chances of England call-up

Last updated: 7th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kirby leaves Gloucestershire

Kirby: Still ambitious

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Gloucestershire have granted a request by paceman Steve Kirby to leave the club despite having two years of his contract still to run.

Kirby, who will be 33 next month, cited a desire to play in the First Division and so further his chances of gaining an elusive England cap as the reason for his surprise move.

The quick bowler has been on the fringes of international recognition for the best part of a decade after emerging as a top prospect with Yorkshire.

But despite featuring regularly for the Lions he has yet to represent any of the senior teams.

"This decision has not been an easy one, especially given the fact that I had been awarded a benefit next year," he said.

"But I am very ambitious and still have the desire and hunger to win things and to achieve my dream of one day playing for England. I don't want to finish my career with any regrets and wonder what might have been.

"I definitely have unfinished business and there are many things I still want to achieve in this game. I am really excited about this next challenge in my career wherever it may take me.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gloucestershire for their support in this decision and would like to thank the people at the club who have helped me and made me feel so welcome in my time here.

"I wish everybody at the club the very best of success for the future."

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: "We are not going to stand in Steve's way now that he has expressed a wish to continue his career elsewhere.

"He has done very well for us over six seasons on the field and has made a big contribution. Off the field he has been equally positive in a variety of areas particularly in coaching and as the chairman of the Young Gladiators.

"We want to thank him for his service to the club and wish him well for the future.

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