Will Gidman’s journey to Nottinghamshire has been a long and not always smooth one. 

Beginning his career with the MCC, Gidman worked in JD Sports to supplement his income. He earned a move to Durham, but played just one First Class game before joining Gloucestershire at the age of 26.

It was sink or swim by that point, but he certainly did the latter, becoming one of the top all-rounders on the county scene ahead of a move to Notts this winter.

Now 29, Gidman is an ambitious figure, but his path to Trent Bridge means he is also a humble one. 

He said: “Doing jobs like I did in JD Sports does make you appreciate your career. I’m not someone who needs much convincing how lucky I am. 

“Don’t get me wrong, jobs like that are important, but we are privileged to do what we do. 

“I have to see myself as a late bloomer. I’ll never know if I could have been successful at Durham because I never got the chance.

“They had a great side while I was there. I’m just happy I have been able to enjoy some success in my career. 

“That success coming later on does make you appreciate it a little bit more. I’ll be 30 next season and in cricketing terms that means I’m getting on a little bit.

“It was a pretty simple thought process coming to Notts. I’m ambitious and I want to test myself at a higher level. 

“I don’t want to end my career with any what ifs. I was lucky enough to have a few counties in for me. It wasn’t a difficult decision because Notts is a great club always competing for honours.” 

Even now, Gidman has only played 56 First Class games, but 194 wickets at 22.13 and a batting average of 39.88 made him a hot commodity.

Averaging 55.06 last season in Division Two only heightened his appeal and Notts director of cricket Mick Newell, swooped, earmarking him for the crucial role of making runs at number eight and replacing Andre Adams in the seam attack.

Gidman recognises there is pressure on him, but he is not worried by that. 

“I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity. I’ll try my best not to let him down,” he said.

“Every time you join a new club there is pressure but there is no more pressure than that which you put upon yourself. 

“I’m someone who likes to work hard and prepare properly.

“If I do that it will stand me in good stead for the season. 

“There’s a gap between the first and second division that is growing and that is a reason for moving.” 

Gidman’s exploits last season saw him touted as an England Lions contender for their tour of South Africa. 

Selection was not forthcoming and he admits he thought about whether he would get in, but he does not necessarily feel a move to a bigger county will make him catch the eye of the selectors in future.

“The Lions did cross my mind even though you try not to think about it. 

“I felt like I had a good year and made strides, especially in my one day game (he averaged 47.20 with the bat and took 12 wickets at 21),” he said.

“I wasn’t disappointed because I wasn’t expecting a call. It’s a cliche but I’ll just keep my head down and try to do well for Notts. It won’t be a distraction.

“I don’t buy into fashionable and unfashionable clubs.

“The only way my England chances will be boosted by being at Notts is if I do succeed I’ll have done it at a higher level.”

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