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Hoggard joins Leicestershire as captain

Matthew Hoggard has ended speculation about his future by signing a three-year deal to become Leicestershire's new captain

Cricinfo staff
09-Nov-2009
Matthew Hoggard: Leicestershire's new captain  •  Getty Images

Matthew Hoggard: Leicestershire's new captain  •  Getty Images

Matthew Hoggard has ended speculation about his future by signing a three-year deal to become Leicestershire's new captain.
Hoggard, who was part of England's 2005 Ashes-winning side, lost his Test place during the tour of New Zealand in March 2008, as well as his ECB central contract at the end of the same summer. He was surprisingly released by his native Yorkshire this year, despite finishing as the club's top wicket-taker in 2009.
It was a decision that left Hoggard furious, having claimed 43 wickets to spearhead the county's successful battle against relegation from the top flight of the County Championship. He will now drop down to the second tier himself, to lead a young side that can only hope to improve on their bottom-placed finish in the 2009 campaign.
"I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of joining Leicestershire and taking charge of a young and talented squad," said Hoggard. "I was flattered by the amount of interest and support shown towards me from all quarters, but Leicestershire really stood out in terms of offering something different and at this stage of my career it will provide the new challenge I want.
"I've always wanted to test myself and I feel I still have a huge amount to offer the game. Working with Tim Boon I hope we can take Leicestershire onwards and upwards."
"I am delighted that Matthew had chosen Leicestershire over a number of other interested counties," said Leicestershire's chief executive, David Smith. "Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience having played for England on 67 occasions, taking 248 Test match wickets. He will also take over the club captaincy and will be an ideal role model for all our young cricketers at the club."
Hoggard is the fourth recent Leicestershire signing, alongside Will Jefferson, James Benning and the Australian allrounder Andrew McDonald. Smith believed the squad had been significantly strengthened by the recent additions, and that they would help the club compete in all three competitions.
"The club is still totally committed to producing players through its development system, but it is important we have the right balance between senior and younger players," added Smith. "It was always our intention to bring new players into the club, but we also had to wait for players to finish contracts and move on, before being able to add to the squad."
Sussex were the other county to express an interest in Hoggard, and they also offered him a three-year contract. But the deal with Leicestershire was clinched after a visit to the club's facilities last week.
Leicestershire have not ruled out an additional overseas signing for next summer's Twenty20 competition and a possible shortlist of targets is currently being compiled by the head coach, Tim Boon.