Kent County Cricket Club confirm six player signings

Kent County Cricket Club today confirmed six player signings for the 2014 season, which includes the signing of two seam-bowlers as well as contract extensions for four promising young players.

Mitch Claydon, who has just returned to Durham after enjoying a profitable loan spell with the county, has signed a permanent agreement while 27 year-old pace-bowler David Griffiths has agreed to move to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence from Hampshire. Claydon, 30, has taken 124 first-class wickets while Griffiths has 105 first-class wickets to his name.

In addition to the two signings from outside the county, former England Under 19 all-rounder Calum Haggett has extended his contract with the Club, along with Fabian Cowdrey, Daniel Bell-Drummond and Sam Northeast – all products of the highly successful Kent Cricket Academy.

Commenting on the news, the Club's Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson, said: "To be able to announce that this group of players have signed for Kent is extremely exciting. All are ambitious players who seek a positive environment in which to develop their talent. They are also ambitious for the Club and keen to play their full part in all aspects of developing a winning culture.

"Within the group there is a mix of youth and experience, with players coming through the Kent system and others seeing Kent as the place to fulfil ambitions, a blend that is essential in a squad. The team this year has shown its capabilities. The aim is to show that capability more consistently and in doing so, to raise both the individual and team performance. This group of players have the desire and ability to do that, which is something that should please Kent supporters.

"We continue to look at the balance of our squad – there remain players who are out of contract at the end of this season and discussions continue with them. In addition, and where necessary, we will explore positive additions to the squad."