WILL Gidman will join Nottinghamshire once his contract with Gloucestershire expires at the end of the season.

The County Championship Division One title-chasers confirmed today that they have won the race to sign the 29-year-old all-rounder, who has agreed a three-year deal.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Gloucestershire and I'm grateful for them for giving me my opportunity four years ago,” Gidman told the Nottinghamshire website.

"I have been flattered by the interest from around the country but I felt that Nottinghamshire was the perfect fit for my cricket and my family.

“Nottinghamshire are consistently in the trophy hunt and I am very much looking forward to playing my cricket at Trent Bridge for the next three seasons.”

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell, who is also an England selector, said: “Will is the perfect fit in that he’s a good all-round cricketer who can take the new ball or bowl first change and bat in the middle order.

“He’s taken advantage of the opportunities that he’s been given at Gloucestershire and it’s pleasing that he has chosen to sign for us when he had several teams fighting for him.”

A statement on the Gloucestershire website said: “Gloucestershire Cricket today confirmed that Will Gidman will be leaving the Club at the end of the 2014 season.

“We would like to thank Will for the contributions he has made on and off the field over the last four years. We wish him and his family well for the future.”

Gidman was left out of Gloucestershire’s squad to face Worcestershire in the County Championship match starting today due to “on-going niggles” according to club physio Steve Griffin, with captain Michael Klinger also ruled out with a neck injury.

New Zealand international all-rounder Mark Craig, who has been training with Gloucestershire, was registered in time to replace Klinger in the side at New Road.

Craig Miles took 4-54, while Liam Norwell and Benny Howell took three wickets apiece as runaway Division Two leaders were bowled out for 194 today.