STEVE MAGOFFIN has set his sights on leading Sussex back to division one of the Championship after agreeing a new contract which will keep him at Hove until the end of the 2017 season.

The 36-year-old seamer has followed Chris Nash and Chris Jordan in committing his future to the club in the wake of relegation last season.

Magoffin’s current deal was due to expire at the end of this summer but Sussex had no hesitation offering him an extended contract having taken 267 wickets in 63 first class matches since arriving at Hove in 2012.

The Australian – who now qualifies as a local player having gained British citizenship over the winter – was second leading wicket-taker in division one last season with 69 scalps but could not prevent Sussex finishing second bottom to drop out of the top flight for the first time since 2010.

Magoffin, who has more than 500 first class wickets to his name since making his debut for Western Australia in 2004, said: “It’s great for me to commit again to Sussex.

“I’ve had four really enjoyable years here, I’ve loved every minute of it.

“Hopefully this coming season we can put a good performance together as a group and move back up a division, as well as doing well in white-ball cricket.”

Magoffin has taken more wickets than any other bowler in the County Championship over the last four years but head coach Mark Davis admits he contributes far more than simply his performance with the ball.

Davis said: “To have Steve extend his contract is a great boost. Steve has been immense since joining the club in 2012 and we look forward to his continued success at Sussex.

“He is not only a high-class performer but a fantastic role model to all at the club and will play a major role in leading the Sussex attack in 2016.”