Yorkshire stand by Hoggard decision

12 April 2012

Yorkshire have defended their decision to release Matthew Hoggard and pointed out the former England seamer turned down a new contract earlier in the year.

The county also claim to be "extremely disappointed" that the 32-year-old chose to break the news himself in an interview with a national newspaper.

Hoggard said he felt he had "effectively been sacked" after learning last week that his contract at Headingley Carnegie would not be renewed.

A statement from Yorkshire read: "The club is extremely disappointed that Matthew broke the news to Monday morning's edition of The Times newspaper.

"The club has every respect for Matthew Hoggard as a player and as a person and had been working over the weekend with Matthew's representatives at the Professional Cricketers' Association to ensure the news broke at a mutually agreeable time, thereby assisting his transition to a new county in the most positive manner possible.

"An extremely competitive two-year contract, with the option of a third year based on performance, was offered to Matthew Hoggard at the beginning of the season; a deal that would have retained his position as one of the highest earners at the county. Matthew turned that contract offer down as he wanted a higher salary and a longer contract.

"The club and player agreed that they would review the situation after the season had ended.

"Over the course of the summer the club has reviewed its playing staff for 2010 and made plans to secure a number of key players.

"This has become increasingly costly due to the tightening of work permit regulations for overseas players and the demand for young England qualified talent."

Hoggard, who has played for Yorkshire for the past 15 seasons and was their top wicket-taker in the LV County Championship this summer, told The Times: "I'm shocked and bitterly disappointed. I think I've been loyal to Yorkshire."

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