Keech, Lugsden and McLean not retained

Pace bowler Nixon McLean has not been offered another contract by Hampshire for 2000 in a move to protect the county from a desperate scramble to sign an overseas player next season at the last minute.

Coaching director Tim Tremlett said "Nixon is obviously in the eyes of the West Indies selectors having got his foot back in the door with the recent tournament in Singapore and we couldn't take the risk of being left stranded if he's selected to tour next summer."

Batsman Matthew Keech, has not been given another contract while paceman Steve Lugsden, will not have the one-year contract that brought him south from Durham, extended.

Danish seamer Thomas Hansen is currently in awaiting a decision as Hampshire have told him he will not be offered another contract at the moment, but that they will review the situation in two months.

Kevan James announced his retirement two weeks ago, taking the tally of departures to four plus another possibility.

Peter Hartley's offer of a one-year contract means he will be the current oldest operating county cricketer at 40 at the start of next season.

In contrast, Hampshire have offered contracts to three of their most promising youngsters - Lawrence Prittipaul, James Adams, and wicket-keeper Iain Brunnschweiler ,while talented slow left-armer Charles Van der Gucht, has been offered a summer contract to accommodate his return from Durham University.