I think a new and specific thread for this guy's columns might be of use- especially with tonight's!

Lets summarise his allegations/rumours/comments/hints- or else I will be here all night:

Kabir here next year but not happy with so many good Players off. One year left on his contract. Heart with Worcestershire- head somewhere else.

We and the Bears want Yorkshire's Ajmal Shahzad.

Bears now looking at Hoggy as player/coach.

We are talking to Naqqash Tahir. The Bears have offered a 2 year deal with a pay-as-you-play element. If we offer a three year no-strings deal, he will come to us.

Bears looking at Mooro.

Alan Richardson likely to move to us- the Bears think so.

The 16 keepers who have approached Bumpy include Adshead, Sandy Allen [Devon and first choice for Minor Counties] and Jon Batty.

Make of all that lot what you will.

assuming Kabir starts next season fit I would offer him a new 2 year contract with a benefit in 2011.That should do it.
I have not seen enough of Tahir to comment.
Richardson is too old.
I am warming to Jon Batty.He could open with Kervezee allowing Mitchell to drop down to 6 and be vice-captain as a sweetener.
I have given up on Moore for now.
We will not get Shahzad if the bears want him.

I'd not heard about Richardson - if he can stay fit, he might do a job for a couple of years while the younger bowlers gain experience.

'Warwickshire are winning the battle off the pitch, too. The clubs are vying for the services of a number of players, but Warwickshire have drawn first blood after Naqaash Tahir, the subject of an approach from Worcestershire, verbally agreed a new two-year contract to remain at Edgbaston. He will sign within the next few days.



Quote taken from George Dobell's report on the game for Cricinfo today.

Member1 - Kabir has been offered a benefit previously, but has been happy to concentrate on his cricket, so I'm not sure that money is everything to him at all. I just think that he loves playing, but is unsettled with the playing developments at New Road. Based on his 2008 new ball exploits where by and large, he bowled superbly, he will have no shortage of takers if he did want to leave ( the club has already stated that they only want players who want to be here ).

Alan Richardson ? journeyman pro - too old and ordinary - not for me.

Keepers also include James Pipe - prefer him to Jon Batty

Hotels-Thanks. I was really annoyed when Smith got his benefit early and before Kabir. Now I know why.
I am worried about Kabir's injuries.I hope he is not nearing the end of his career.

Richardson always seems to have the ability to take wickets and his 314 wickets at an average of under 30 and economy rate on under 3 does go to prove it, not sure what he's done the last 12-18 months though, may be good for a season but at 34 is not getting any younger.

Just found this on cricinfo

http://www.cricinfo.com/countycricket2009/content/current/story/423514.html

It seems what some may of hoped were just rumors are actually facts.

It was also confirmed today that Naqaash Tahir has signed a new two year deal with Warwickshire.

I'm not sure how much of a squad Worcestershire will have next season, but it does seem that most of the quality players are escaping, rapidly.

Desperate news about Kabby if true, but what about the article in the WN when he committed himself to us for next season at least.

So the rumours are finally proven to have some truth in them.

Bumpy stated at the Forum that he only wants players who want to play for the club, I am guessing that he will allow Kabir his wish to talk to other counties.

Kabir is clearly NOT a money man

Damn, I've always thought Kabby is the best bowler in England.
Very sad news, very sad

Yes its very very sad.

So the following players have left Worcestershire already or are going to:

Batty
Davies
Jones
Knappett
O Ali
Shannon

The following set to follow them out of the club:

K Ali
Noffke
Moore

Worcestershire squad next season as it stands if the above players leave:

Batsmen: Mitchell, Solanki, Smith, M Ali, Kervezee, Wheeldon, Manuel, Kapil

Keepers:

Spinners: Fisher

Seamers: Mason, Whelan, Andrew, Arif, Jones, Ahmed,

If Worcestershire have to reduce the playing budget by £300,000 then wasting money on Grant Hodnett or Andy Harris is not an option!

Dave Wheeldon, Jack Manuel and Aneesh Kapil are already on the staff what are the chances of Matt Pardoe, Neil Pinner, Joe Leach, Ben Cox and Jack Shantry joining them next season?

Even with these five players Worcestershire will still need a frontline spinner and wicketkeeper-batsman at the very least!

If Kabir goes like this ..after 33 years as a member I go as well.

At this rate, we'll make Glamorgan look good next season!