Somerset are delighted to announce that Alex Barrow, Josh Davey, James Regan and Max Waller have signed new contracts with the Club, while Lewis Gregory has signed an extension to his existing contract.
Barrow, who is 22 years old came through the Academy and was first awarded a contract in 2010. This season he got his chance when Craig Kieswetter was injured and as well as proving to be a more than a useful replacement wicket-keeper, he has also scored vital runs for the first team.
Barrow said: “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Somerset and although it has been a tough season for the Club we have got exciting times ahead. I love playing for Somerset and I am very proud to do so.”
Davey who is 23, was previously with Middlesex and spent the whole of last winter voluntary training at the County Ground. He was awarded a 2014 summer contract earlier on and has produced some good results with both bat and ball for Somerset Seconds and for Scotland.
Davey said: “ I am delighted to be staying with Somerset next season because it is something that I have worked very hard to achieve. It has been difficult year for me so it’s nice to see things falling back into place for me. Somerset is a great cricket club and I have settled in very nicely here and I am very happy to be a part of it.”
Twenty year old Regan another Academy product who was previously on summer contract has enjoyed a good season with both the bat and behind the stumps for the Seconds.
Regan said: “I am absolutely delighted to get my first full professional contract with Somerset. It’s another stepping stone in my development and I am looking forward to being here throughout the winter and a successful season next year.
“I have scored runs and kept wicket consistently this season with the Seconds so just need to work a little bit harder and hopefully push to get a first team place.”
Leg spinner Waller who is 26 years old first played for Somerset in 2009 and this season he has once again excelled in the T20 format in 2014.
He said: “I am very pleased to have signed a contract for another year and hopefully it will mean more cricket for me next season.”
Gregory who is another player who came through the Academy, is 22 years old and was under contract with Somerset until the end of 2015 which has now been extended to the end of 2016.
He said: “ For me 2014 has been a really good year and a breakthrough season in terms of showing what I am capable of and allowing people to see what I can do on a cricket pitch.
“It’s a huge honour to be offered a year extension to my contract and to know that I will be with the club for at least another two years with hopefully a lot more success just around the corner.”
Chief Executive Guy Lavender said: “We are delighted that so many talented young players have committed their futures to the Club. All of them are tremendously important to our plans for next season.
“We place enormous importance on the development of young talent and it is wonderful to see all of their hard work and that of their coaches paying dividends. It bodes well for the long-term sustainment of an extremely talented and successful Somerset team.”