GOOD luck, Alex! There can be no other reaction to the astonishing news that Alex Gidman is to leave Gloucestershire and join Worcestershire.

Alex’s service to our county club has been unstinting and selfless. As player, captain and mentor to our younger cricketers he has been a key figure in the team for 12 years, and a successful one too.

His career batting average for Gloucestershire is higher than that of Charlie Barnett, George Emmett, Jack Crapp or Arthur Milton, all of whom played for England.

It is his loyalty, however, that stands out most. Alex has had other offers to leave Gloucestershire, most notably in 2007 when Warwickshire expected him to sign for them. They made a lucrative and attractive offer. Alex turned it down and stayed with us.

Now 33, he is seeking a new challenge. Anyone who saw him play at Cheltenham this year should not be surprised. Despite it being his favourite ground he was not just out of form but looked out of sorts. He has had a patchy season, scoring 1,000 runs, but 500 of these have come in the last two matches (Worcs & Leics).

It would have been churlish of the board not to grant his request to be released from his contract and he leaves with everyone’s good wishes.

Where does this leave Gloucestershire? First of all is the need to have our promising cricketers under long contracts. This is happening. Will Tavare and David Payne are the latest to sign and they have been glad to do so, despite both being the subject of 28-day notices of approach from other counties. All this player movement and potential movement shows the need for a transfer or compensation system. Our opponents in last week’s game at Bristol, Leicestershire have suffered more than anyone.

Despite some sumptuous batting and a record-breaking stand between Alex Gidman and Gareth Roderick, it was a poor game. Much of the bowling from both sides was below first class standard and the match drifted. There was the chance to set up a thrilling last day, Leicestershire being set 420 to win in 90 overs. This opportunity was spurned and a tame draw ensued. Some members complained to me about lack of coverage of cricket in the national press. My view is if there is a story to tell the papers will tell it. There was no story in a boring draw watched by a few hundred people.