Gary Keedy has announced his retirement from cricket after more than two decades in the county game.

The 40-year-old left-arm spinner bows out having taken 696 first class wickets in a prolific career that has also brought 191 dismissals in the white ball arena.

He claimed over 50 wickets in a first class season on four separate occasions for Lancashire, including 61 at an average of 23.61 during their LV= County Championship winning season in 2011.

Keedy made 215 of his 227 first class appearances for the red rose county, who he represented for 18 years during which they won ten trophies.

Having joined Nottinghamshire ahead of the 2014 campaign, where he combined playing with work as a Spin Bowling Coach and Assistant Physiotherapist, Keedy made four further first class appearances, taking 18 wickets.  

Most recently, having been recalled to the first team for the fixture against Sussex at Horsham, Keedy garnered match figures of 5 for 107 as Nottinghamshire won by an innings and 103 runs.

“It was great to play at Horsham this year and contribute like I did,” he said.

“I made some decent contributions towards winning it and that performance has been a turning point in our season, so it’s pleasing for me to finish on a high.”

The 2015 season has seen 19-year-old Matthew Carter emerge with figures of 10 for 195 against Somerset on his first-class debut, something that also contributed to the decision for Keedy, who will continue to coach Nottinghamshire’s spinners.

“I don’t want everybody to get carried away, but I’m really excited about Matthew Carter. He’s got all the makings of a very good spin bowler.

“With the development of Matt - and a few other spinners coming through at the Club - now is the right time for me.

“As a 40-year-old that’s only realistically going to play the odd game, it’s right for me to call time and concentrate on other things.

“I’ve got my spin bowling coaching which has been very successful so far that I’d like to concentrate on, and I’ve got my physio skills that I’ll use somewhere along the way.

“I’ve got a nine-year-old daughter who I’m missing growing up and now is the time to put the 23 years to bed and look forward to the rest of my life.

“At Yorkshire, Lancashire, Surrey and at Trent Bridge - as well as opportunities like England Lions, the MCC and other teams I’ve represented, a massive thank you from top to bottom to everyone who has influenced my career,” he said.

“That also goes to my parents, all my friends and family and especially my wife Andrea and my daughter Erin for all their support.”