Paul Horton to leave Lancashire after 12 years
Thursday 20 August 2015 12:06, UK
Paul Horton will leave Lancashire after the club decided against offering the batsman a new contract to stay at Old Trafford.
The Australian-born opener made his first class debut in 2003 and scored over 9,500 runs – including 21 centuries and 51 fifties – at an average of 38 for the Red Rose in the County Championship during his 12-year career.
Horton was named as the county's player of the year in 2007 and was the leading run scorer in their 2011 title-winning campaign with 1,040 runs.
He was also vice-captain of the Lancashire Lightning side which reached the final of the Natwest T20 Blast at Edgbaston in 2014.
Speaking to the club's website, Horton said: "I have had a wonderful time at Lancashire, from my first game as a 15-year-old to all 308 competitive professional games for the club.
"The pinnacle has to be helping Lancashire win the County Championship in 2011, especially after 77 years of waiting.
"After speaking to the club in mid-season, I wanted to have a look at my options and I am now looking forward to a fresh challenge where my experience can hopefully benefit a new club."
Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles said: "Paul has been a tremendous servant to Lancashire County Cricket Club and has been a key member of the squad during my time at the Emirates Old Trafford.
"This was a tough decision for the club to make and I would like to thank Paul for all of his efforts for the club."
