Spinner Tom Smith signs contract extension at Gloucestershire
13 November 2024
Spinner Tom Smith has signed a one-year contract extension at Gloucestershire Cricket through to the end of the 2025 season.
A T20 only playing contract, the new deal will see Smith remain at Gloucestershire for a 13th season in which he will also continue his development as a coach. A level 4 qualified coach, Smith was an ever-present member Mark Alleyne’s coaching unit at Gloucestershire last season, a role he will remain in for 2025.
The 37-year-old spin specialist moved into second place in the list of all-time Gloucestershire T20 wicket-takers last season with 150 wickets, a feat achieved despite enduring an injury-affected Vitality Blast campaign in 2024. Making only six T20 appearances on the road to lifting the trophy, Smith still managed to take nine tournament wickets including a match-winning 3/25 against his former side, Sussex Sharks, in the semi-final at Edgbaston.
Smith’s decision to sign a T20 only deal comes after he has enjoyed a successful career as a multi-format player. In 55 first-class matches Smith has taken 82 wickets while in List A cricket, Smith has 103 wickets to his name from 112 outings.
Speaking of his excitement at extending his time at Gloucestershire, Smith said: "I am extremely honoured to have been granted a one-year extension to my current contract, allowing me to remain with Gloucestershire through the end of the 2025 season.
"This club has been an integral part of both my life and my family's, and I feel incredibly fortunate to continue in my role as player-coach for another season. Next season, my contract will see me retire from List A cricket and focus solely on T20 cricket as a player. This will also allow me to continue my coaching development during the Metro Bank block, providing a great opportunity for further growth in that area.
"Securing the Vitality Blast title was an unforgettable achievement, and the chance to defend it next season is an exciting prospect that I’m eager to be involved in."
Mark Alleyne, Head Coach at Gloucestershire, added: “It’s so good to have access to Tom the cricketer for another season as we look to defend the Blast in 2025. His qualities in some key moments for us are undeniable and it’s great he is happy to go again for another season.
“Tom’s impact on the coaching front is progressing nicely, too, so to secure him over our Championship campaign gives us another great resource to drive the team forwards.”
