Update on Players

Last updated 13/01

The situation going into next season seems to already be a bit clearer, with most of last season's playing staff either confirmed as staying or going. I've stuck it all together as a little re-cap.

Neil Carter - Decided to accept the new offer of a one year contract, after being almost certain to leave a few months ago (Mail Oct 9th)

Dougie Brown - Believed to have been offered a coaching only role with Warwickshire, but also has a coaching and playing role on the table from Essex. Is weighing up his options and has not yet decided. Only recently completed a stint in Sri Lanka commentating for TMS on the One Day series. As of 14/11 he has been confirmed as the new academy director.

Alex Loudon - Is keen to continue to train to be a stockbroker and previously has been given 8 months out of the year under contract, and undertaken training during the offseason. It is believed that Warwickshire are only offering a 12 month contract at the moment, effectively forcing him to choose whether to give up cricket or stockbroking for the time being. I did read somewhere that other counties were interested by George Dobell indicated in The Post that he would not go to another county. As of 19/10 he has confirmed he will retire from cricket.

Darren Maddy - remains under contract and has accepted the captaincy for next season

Michael Powell - has agreed a new one year deal, after being out of contract at the end of this season. (Post Oct 12th) Also confirmed as 2008 Benefit recipient.

Ant Botha - He has signed until 2009. He is not actually a Kolpak, as he discovered his dad was not his real dad, and his real dad was born in England. (IC Birmingham)

Vaughan Van Jaarsveld - Another problem registration, ultimately he will play in the squad from next season, as he is marrying his fiancée in the offseason, who apparently has an EU passport. (Forum) Has now decided he doesn't want to play for Warwickshire and will remain in South Africa (18/11)

Ian Bell - Povey has assured the members at the forum that he is on a very long term contract, which is good news following his frustration at not been picked for the C&G semi-final.

Jim Troughton - signed up for next two seasons (club website)

Tim Groenewald - signed up for next two seasons (club website)

Nick James - Has signed a new one year deal and will probably have to show some improvement to stay.

Andrew Miller - Has signed a new one year deal, but I have to confess I haven't a clue who he is?

Richard Johnson - Academy wicket-keeper, who has signed a one year deal and will be official No2 to Tim Ambrose. (Confusingly reported on 16/11 has having been offered a one year deal - so don't know if I am just way ahead of the game or what?)

Boyd Rankin - New signing, see below post.

Ian Salisbury - Newly signed (17/11) to boost the spin bowling department and to bring in some experience (age 38)

Sanath Jayasuriya - Has been signed as overseas player, but just for the Twenty20 cup.

others under contract:
James Anyon
Lee Daggett*
Luke Parker*
Navdeep Poonia*
Naqqash Tahir
Jonathan Trott
Ian Westwood
Stuart Hole*
Calum MacLeod (16/11)

* - I am just assuming this based on the article in the Post that stated that only Brown and Loudon remained unconfirmed as to contract deals and I have seen no confirmation that they have been released. However they are fringe players...


Mystery Men:

Monde Zondeki - Is now the hot favourite for the overseas slot for either the whole season (presumably minus the Twenty20 - see above), or possibly until the SA tour of England kicks off in the second half of the summer, if he is called up.

Alfonso Thomas - signed for the tail end of last season, but no confirmation as to whether he will be back. He didn't really do enough to convince Giles/AD in my opinion. But I cannot find any confirmation of his status.

Stephen Flemming - has confirmed he will not be rejoining Notts next year, has been linked with Warwickshire

Shane Bond - random linkage, haven't heard anything remotely concrete. His involvement in the ICL makes it less likely I think.

Niall O'Brien - It was reported that we had made an approach to Northants on Aug 15th (IC Birmingham), although it is all based on Tim Ambrose getting an England call. Nothing since and Richard Johnson is confirmed as No2 to Ambrose for next season, indicating there is not any movement behind the scenes.

Shaun Pollock - Since announcing his retirement from international cricket on 11/01 the rumour mill has sprung into action. Giles has confirmed he is interested in signing him and he might be available as kolpak, as he is no longer an international.

Ones that got away:

Heath Streak - Has retired from the end of the season and his wholehearted commitment will be missed in the dressing room.

Nayan Doshi - As predicted in this blog a while back, Doshi will not represent Warwickshire. He has signed with Derbyshire for next season.

Michael Barnes - Has been released by the club

Adam Shantry - Has been released by the club, but thankfully for him has signed a two year contract with Glamorgan. I believe he could go on to be a decent player for them.

Mushtaq Ahmed - did anyone really think he was going to leave Sussex? Only the prospect of learning his trade under the tutelage of Giles would have a chance of convincing him.

I'll keep updating this list as and when anything is revealed...