Allenby to miss Oval trip

Date: Wednesday 29 July 2009

Leicestershire County Cricket Club confirmed today that Jim Allenby has been left out of the squad for the four day game at the Oval against Surrey starting on Friday 31st July.

Chief Executive David Smith explained the situation. He said: “The club had offered Jim a three year contract for the seasons 2010 / 2011 / 2012. The offer of this contract was conditional on the player signing the contract by not later than Friday 31st July.

“Jim first approached me about an extension to his contract over 12 months ago when we wanted to support him through a difficult period and the club offered Jim a two year contract extension.

“The player decided to circulate his details to other counties during May of the current season. The club then made an improved three-year contract offer in early June seeing Jim as an important part of the future.

“During the last few days the club have worked closely with the Players Association to find an agreement, but following a meeting earlier today the player confirmed that he would not agree to sign the contract before the pre- agreed deadline of 31st July.”

Smith confirmed that meant in effect Jim has had over 12 months to consider his future at Leicestershire CCC and wanted to keep his options open for a longer period of time.

Smith also confirmed that Leicestershire County Cricket Club take a consistent approach to all its players during contract negotiation, using pre-agreed deadlines, that also allows the club to plan its playing staff for the following season and allows it to be in the market place for suitable replacements in reasonable timeframes.

Smith added he was disappointed by Jim Allenby’s decision not to extend his contract with Leicestershire County Cricket Club, but felt the club had an excellent replacement in Australian test all rounder Andrew McDonald for the 2010 cricket season and beyond.