Steve Kirby is the latest Gloucestershire player to secure his future with the club after signing a new contract. It follows in the footsteps of Alex Gidman, who agreed a three-year deal yesterday.

A number of counties have been interested in signing Kirby, but now he�..ll be staying at Bristol when John Bracewell takes charge again next season.

�..This has not been any easy decision. In fact, it is the toughest decision of my life. A major factor has been my family. They are very settled in Bristol and Gloucestershire are a strong family unit and look after them very well.

�..The other massive factor has been the appointment of John Bracewell as director of cricket. I am really looking forward to working with him. I am still massively ambitious to play for England and I do feel he can help me continue to improve.�.�