New extends Foxes stay

13 March 2007

Tom New © Getty Images

Leicestershire wicket-keeper Tom New has signed a two-year extension to his contract at Grace Road.

The 22-year-old left-handed batsman is expected to deputise for England gloveman Paul Nixon behind the stumps in the early stages of the 2007 season while the veteran plays in the World Cup.

County coach Tim Boon has been impressed with the dedication and determination which the Sutton-in-Ashfield born keeper has shown in working at his game over the winter months.

He has also worked for Anderson Lettings to help him develop a professional interest outside the game during the winter as well as completing an intensive fitness programme.

"Tom has shown a great desire to succeed with Leicestershire over the coming months, whether he is deputising for Paul Nixon or in the side as a batsman alone," said Boon.

"There is no doubt that he has considerable potential and I am confident that he can begin to fulfil that in the coming season, based on what I have seen of him over the past year

"Not only has Tom responded well to a physical strength programme, he has made minor technical adjustments that will enable him to succeed at a higher level with his batting and wicket-keeping."

New will be in a strong position to compete for a first team place as a specialist batsman alone, even when Nixon is available for Leicestershire.

"Tom is one of a small number of high-quality specialist keeper-batsmen in the country and I see a long term future for him at the club," added Boon.

New made his first class debut in 2004 and he has averaged over 32 with the bat in the 18 games he has played at that level over the past three seasons.

Meanwhile David Stiff the former Kent seamer, has signed a one-year deal with the Foxes after being released by Kent at the end of the 2006 season.

He made just eight appearances in three seasons at Canterbury but has impressed Leicestershire during a pre-season trail period.