Kirby to leave GCCC
07/09/2010
Steve Kirby has asked to be released from the final two years of his contract with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in order to pursue ambitions to play in the First Division of the LV=County Championship and for England.
After careful consideration, the club has decided to grant Steve’s request, which while it will mean losing a respected senior player, will also open up opportunities to develop the squad 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 6 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.
Plans were already in place to rejuvenate the squad by signing some younger players over the next couple of years and we will bring these forward. We have had 5 players represent England Under19s over the past 2 years and Steve’s departure will create further opportunities for these younger players.”
Steve Kirby said: “This decision has not been an easy one, especially given the fact that I had been awarded a benefit next year 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."
GCCC Chairman Rex Body also expressed his thanks to Steve Kirby for his contributions both on and off the field saying: "Steve is a very popular and successful player with a wholehearted approach to any game. We shall miss him but I hope he achieves his ambitions."
