Sussex clear RHB for talks (From The Argus)

Sussex clear RHB for talks

10:40am Thursday 10th December 2009 in Sport By Bruce Talbot

Chairman Jim May has revealed Rory Hamilton-Brown was on the verge of commiting his future to Sussex when Surrey made their approach.

The county have agreed to let the 22-year-old talk to Surrey about taking over as captain and Hamilton-Brown is expected to open talks next week when he returns from the England Performance Squad in South Africa.

Sussex will then hold discussions and try to persuade Hamilton-Brown to sign the three-year deal which was on the table when Surrey came in for him on November 13.

May said: “Rory gave every indication he would sign another contract before the Surrey approach.”

May consulted other members of Sussex’s management board before agreeing to let Surrey talk to him and I understand several of them felt the request should have been refused.

May added: “We think it’s only fair to give him the opportunity to talk to Surrey. But we only want people with us who want to stay.

“I’m a professional optimist. I am not involved directly in the discussions but as a supporter of the club I feel that as a young man of 22, with relatively little experience, Rory is best off concentrating on his own game rather than having the additional burden of captaincy.”