Former Nottinghamshire fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has announced that he will retire at the end of the forthcoming season.

The 39-year-old spent seven seasons at Trent Bridge from 2004 to 2010, taking 284 wickets in all competitions and winning the County Championship on two occasions.

He enjoyed a Nottinghamshire benefit year in 2010 and has been capped by England 65 times across all three formats of the game.

Sidebottom’s time at Notts has been sandwiched by two spells with his home county, Yorkshire, for whom he has taken 425 first-class wickets, spanning 21 years.

Having won the County Championship on three occasions with the White Rose – and twice with Notts – he is the only player to lift the trophy on five occasions in the last 15 years.

“There’s a tear in my eye whenever I think about not playing professional cricket again – a game that’s given me so much over the years,” he said.

“But it’s the right time and I want to go out on a high, rather than fade away as that’s just not the sort of guy I am.

“I’ve always tried to play with a smile on my face and give 110% because I absolutely love this sport. It’s been an honour to represent my home county, Yorkshire, play for my country and help make history at Nottinghamshire.

"I couldn’t have asked for better team-mates and they’ve helped me become the cricketer I am today.”

Congratulations to Ryan on a fantastic career from everyone at Trent Bridge.