By Ben Woodall
December 21 2002

It has been confirmed that Graeme Hick will stay at WCCC after extending his contract until the end of the 2006 season.This will come as a relief to the New Road faithful after there was rumoured to be interest from Hampshire for Hicks signature.

Hick,36,is a Worcestershire legend so to have lost him to a rival county would have been a tragedy.With two years remaining on his current deal Hick added a further four to extend his stay further.This extension means Hick will almost certainly finish his career at the club he has played for since 1984.

Hick spoke with delight after managing to secure his long-term future with the county:

"I'm delighted we have been able to resolve this matter and I would like to thank all the members and supporters who have written and expressed their support.I look forward to being part of a team that I'm sure will bring success to the club next year."

Whilst at Worcestershire Hick has scored an incredible amount of runs.In a career spanning eighteen years he has scored more runs than any other current player,also hitting 121 centuries in 440 matches for the county.

Speaking of the signing,Chief Executive Mark Newton said:

"Since his debut in 1984 Graeme's contribution to Worcestershire has been immense.I'm sure I speak on behalf of every member and supporter when I say how pleased we are with this news and how much we look forward to seeing him score many more hundreds in the years to come."

So,yet another positive move by the club in securing the contract of a Worcestershire legend.Hick is idolised by many of the New Road faithful and with his presence the push for promotion can only be stronger.