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Vaughan questions Hoggard's exit
3 November 2009, 4:04 pm



Vaughan questions Hoggard's exit



Leicestershire and Essex are both chasing Matthew Hoggard's signature

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Yorkshire should have done more to keep hold of Matthew Hoggard.The fast bowler controversially left Headingley at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal - and has been linked with several counties.

"Hoggy's a Yorkshire lad," Vaughan told BBC Radio Leeds. "The fans love him. He should still be playing for Yorkshire.

"Yorkshire have to get used to managing their star players. They've not done it well in the past and that must change."

Hoggard, 32, was furious at his departure from Headingley, claiming that the county had let him go for financial reasons.

Yorkshire then responded by claiming Hoggard rejected a new deal, something which he then angrily denied.



606: DEBATE

It's widely acknowledged that Hoggard's financial demands were one of the main reasons for the club to eventually withdraw the offer of a new contract.

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But Vaughan said: "The Hoggy situation is sad. I'm sure there is blame on both parties and I'm sure both parties regret what happened.

"Matthew will now have to finish his career at another county, which is a shame, but a lot of ex-England players seem to.

"There seems to be some kind of stubbornness towards England players and, this is not a negative. Yorkshire have to get it right.

"Over the last 10 to 15 years, or even further back, Yorkshire have not managed them brilliantly and that is something that has to change."

At least five counties have so far been linked with Hoggard, including newly-promoted Kent and Essex, along with three Division Two sides Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Middlesex.

But Kent have officially withdrawn their interest, leaving Essex and Leicestershire as now the only two known contenders for his signature.



Source: BBC Sport | Cricket | World Edition