Keedy takes support role at Notts

Gary Keedy, the 39-year-old left-arm spinner, is winding down is playing career having agreed to become assistant physiotherapist at Nottinghamshire.

He will still be registered to play for Notts but his primary role will now be as part of the backroom staff for the 2nd XI and academy, also serving as spin-bowling coach.

Keedy left Lancashire, where he spent 18 summers, for Surrey last season as the county parachuted in experienced players to attempt to stabilise the dressing room but appeared only 13 times for the first team.

Since making his debut in 1994, Keedy has racked up 678 first-class wickets at 31.38 and 119 List A scalps at 26.47. He was part of the Lancashire one-day sides that enjoyed much success in the second half of the 1990s and helped return the County Championship to Old Trafford in 2011.

He will now turn his attention to a support role at Trent Bridge as spin-bowling coach. Notts director of cricket, Mick Newell, is keen for specialist assistance for 20-year-olds Sam Wood, an offspinner, and slow left-armer Adam Tillcock, along with the experienced Samit Patel.

"We're pleased to have agreed a deal with Gary," Newell said. "He has a wealth of experience and is uniquely qualified to serve us at this stage of his career.

"He was keen to take the next step towards a full-time career in physiotherapy but still feels that he can contribute to our coaching team and provide an option for those games away from Trent Bridge where we may opt to play two spinners."

Keedy said he was grateful for his brief stay at Surrey: "I have had a great year and would like to thank everyone at the club for their fantastic support.

"The chance to develop my career in physiotherapy at Nottinghamshire was too good an opportunity to turn down at this stage and I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead next year."