Yorkshire insist Hoggard was not sacked as war of words continues

Published on Monday 12 October 2009 22:56

ENGLAND Ashes winner Matthew Hoggard is looking for a new county after his long association with Yorkshire ended in a war of words yesterday morning.

The 32-year-old told a national newspaper he had "effectively been sacked", having been told his contract would not be renewed after 15 years at Headingley.

Yorkshire countered by claiming that Hoggard rejected a "lucrative" new deal earlier in the season because he wanted better terms. The county also expressed disappointment at Hoggard's decision to speak to the media first and denied that they had offered him the captaincy.

Chief executive Stewart Regan said: "Matthew was offered a very lucrative contract at the beginning of the season that would have made him one of the club's highest-paid players. He turned it down, wanting more money and a longer contract.

"We couldn't make the commitment at the time and said we would review things once the season concluded. In the meantime, a number of things have happened – the tightening of work permit regulations which makes it harder to sign overseas players and there is a lot of demand for young English-qualified talent.

"We have had a lot of interest from other counties in our players and therefore we have spent more money in reviewing our playing staff for the 2010 season.

"It was clear we weren't going to be in a position to take on another large salary. We notified Matthew (that] we weren't going to be offering him another contract. Matthew had made it clear that unless he got a long contract it was, to use his words, a deal-breaker. The club felt at 32, coming up 33, a long contract was not realistic.

"Obviously he has chosen to announce it in the public way he has, which we are disappointed about."

Hoggard was Yorkshire's top wicket-taker in the LV County Championship this year with 46, helping his club win Division One survival. During his time with Yorkshire he took 248 wickets in 67 Tests for England and played a key role in the 2005 Ashes victory. He played his last Test in March 2008 and lost his central contract later in the year.

He said: "I'm shocked and bitterly disappointed. I've been loyal to Yorkshire. I wanted to commit the rest of my career to the club and I would have relished the thought of captaincy, which I had discussed with (chairman] Colin Graves and (director of cricket] Martyn Moxon.

"Now I have effectively been sacked and I'm not even going to play for Yorkshire again, which makes me incredibly sad."

He continued: "What really upsets me is that I wasn't given the chance to say goodbye to the supporters, who have been so good to me over the years. All I got after 15 years at the club was a cup of coffee in the chief executive's office."

Yorkshire insist the issue of captaincy was raised only by the player. Regan said: "I can say quite categorically the captaincy has never been offered to Matthew. He went into our chairman's office and said he would like to stay at Yorkshire as captain.

"It's very sad Matthew has chosen to break the news in the way that he has. But he has been one of the country's top bowlers during his time at the club and we wish him every success."

HEROES TO ZEROS?

Where are England's 2005 Ashes winners now?

MARCUS TRESCOTHICK

Opening batsman was one of the first to go post-2005 due to a stress-related illness. Retired from international cricket in 2008, but has flourished for Somerset.

ANDREW STRAUSS

Dropped in the winter of 2007 after alarming slump in form, but is back to his best. Installed as captain and oversaw victory over Australia this summer.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN

Forced into retirement after being left out of the pre-Ashes training squad earlier this year after a combination of injuries and poor form.

KEVIN PIETERSEN

Replaced Vaughan as skipper, but a row with then coach Peter Moores cost both men their jobs. Injured for the thrilling climax against Australia this year.

IAN BELL

Batsman has failed to establish himself as a senior player since 2005. Named for winter trip to South Africa.

ANDREW FLINTOFF

Starring role in this year's Ashes win came on the back of a series of injury problems which has led to his retirement from Tests.

GERAINT JONES

Jettisoned from the England scene after the 2006-7 whitewash Down Under.

ASHLEY GILES

Struggled with injuries and is now part of the ECB selection committee.

SIMON JONES

Has not played international cricket since 2005 and was picked up by Hampshire last week after being released by Worcestershire.

MATTHEW HOGGARD

Dropped by England in March 2008 after just two poor performances and released by Yorkshire yesterday.

STEVE HARMISON

In and out of the side since 2005, but fine form for Durham ensured he played a part in 2009 Oval decider. Not in South Africa party.