Varun Chopra signs

Former Essex opening batsman Varun Chopra has signed with the Bears! The 22 year old has signed a 3 year deal. With him signed and Maddy coming back next year hopefully the top of the order should be a bit stronger next year.

Releases and signings (updated)

Its that time of year, the season comes to an end and fringe players and those at the end of their contracts wonder if they are in the coach's plans for 2010 and beyond. I'll pin this article to the top of the blog for a bit.

Outgoing

Jimmy Anyon - been told he is free to talk to other counties. He does have a year on his contract though but his chance of a further career at the Bears is unlikely. He was in talks with Sussex. He now says he may stay and fight for his place.

Navdeep Poonia - released, not surprising really as his form has been rock bottom. He does have a lot of talent though so maybe he can start again elsewhere.

Shaaiq Choudhry - released, not sure if he ever made the first team?

Tony Frost - out of contract, will resume his ground staff work. Thanks to Frosty for being a True Bear!

Sreesanth - overseas pro, already left to play Indian domestic cricket. He has really looked the part, hope to see you again Sree!

Staying put

Naqaash Tahir - signed a new 2 year contract with a 3rd year option.

Stefan Piolet - signed a new 2 year contract.

Incoming?

Maurice Holmes - Kent leg spinner did arouse interest but concerns about his action cooled interest.

Ajmal Shahzad - Yorkshire bowler offered a contract but turned it down
Stephen Moore - has been spoken to by the club and been made an offer we understand but went to Lancashire instead
Paul Best - already in 2nd XI, will get summer contract next season
Imran Tahir - Pakistani - though SA qualified - leg-spinner could be the overseas pro next year... and indeed is the overseas pro now.
Varun Chopra - Essex batsmen has rejected a contract with Essex and will move to the Bears.

Possible

Matthew Hoggard - probably going to Leicestershire, Monty Panesar, Kabir Ali - he is going to Hampshire, WG Grace, Uncle Tom Cobbley.

Whither the Kolpak

New Home Office rules will been the gradual demise of the Kolpak player in English county cricket. Good news for young English players. Good news for South African cricket probably as so many of the players come from there. Bad news for the Kolpak players themselves of course. Mixed news for county supporters as the new rules will mean genuine quality players like Dwayne Smith are ruled out though its no doubt good that the waves of SA journeymen coming here is over.

Imran Tahir signs for Bears

Finally a signing! Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir has been signed as the overseas professional next year. He was at Hampshire last year and may indeed play for them again in 2011 but for 2010 he is a Bear!

Moles in trouble as NZ coach (updated)

Andy Moles has received the backing of New Zealand Cricket (hopefully not the kind of backing football club chairmen give their embattled managers) after it was reported senior players were not happy with him as head coach and felt he wasn't up to it. Moles will continue as coach for the NZ tour to UAE to play Pakistan but there would be a review of the team's performance.

Update Oct 24 : And thats it! Andy Moles quits as NZ coach.

Craig White to be new bowling coach?

Yorkshire 2nd XI coach (and former player) Craig White could be stepping into Alan Donald's shoes as the new Warks bowling coach. White's experience playing for England playing in 30 tests bowling both spin and seam plus his success with the bowlers at Yorkshire would make him a good signing.

8 "key players" sign 3 year contracts

Eight Warwickshire players, including some of the key members in the side, have signed 3 year contract extensions. They are Ian Westwood, Jonathan Trott, Darren Maddy, Chris Woakes, Naqaash Tahir, Richard Johnson, Boyd Rankin and Ateeq Javid. Ian Bell will also discuss a contract extension when he comes back off holiday. Two new signings are also expected and will announced soon including an overseas spinner. Tim Ambrose has only signed a 1 year contract extension interestingly.