Middlesex move for Collymore

Collymore: Middlesex switch

Sussex seamer Corey Collymore has agreed a deal with Middlesex for the 2011 season.

"Everything has been tremendous, and I couldn't have asked for any more from the club (Sussex)."
Corey Collymore Quotes of the week

The 32-year-old former West Indies international has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract to be closer to his extended family in London.

Collymore, who made his Sussex debut in 2008, has played an integral part in Sussex's return to LV=County Championship Division One this term.

He has taken 57 wickets in the title-winning season, a feat only bettered by Gloucestershire's Gemaal Hussain and James Harris of Glamorgan.

"I'm obviously disappointed to be leaving Sussex but I feel it is the best decision for me and my family," Collymore, whose partner is studying for a business and accountancy qualification in the capital, told the ECB website.

"I'm fortunate to have played for a very successful club over the last few years. The atmosphere has been great and I have many friends here at Hove.

Major coup

"Everything has been tremendous, and I couldn't have asked for any more from the club.

"I want to fit in wherever I go and, whilst I'm sad to leave here, I'm hoping that the transition to Middlesex will be as smooth as when I moved from Barbados to Sussex."

Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director of cricket, said: "Signing Corey is a major coup for Middlesex. He will add quality and control to our attack.

"His figures in all forms of the game tell you how good a bowler he is and he comes with a very good reputation for helping and working with other younger bowlers."

The signing of Collymore helps fill the gap created by Pedro Collins' imminent departure from Lord's.

"Corey has been signed to strengthen our seam bowling which has been weakened by the departure of Pedro Collins, who performed extremely well for Middlesex CCC in 2010," added Fraser.

"Sadly, Pedro no longer fits the criteria required for him to qualify as a Kolpak player. It is more than five years since Pedro played his last Test for West Indies, and he has only played in England as a Kolpak player for three seasons, when the regulations state that it needs to be four.

"Pedro has been outstanding both on and off the field, and he will be missed. Corey is cut from the same cloth. He is proud and hard-working and we can expect his input in to the Middlesex team to be just as valuable as Pedro's."