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David Hemp - Bermuda's only professional cricket player - has been released by Glamorgan, leaving his career in limbo as he searches for a new club.

The 37-year-old still believes he can play at the top level in England and is looking for another county. But he admits if he is unsuccessful he could call time on his playing career.

Hemp, who has spent the bulk of his career at Glamorgan and captained the side at every level, was told his services were no longer required after a frank meeting with cricket manager Matthew Maynard.

Hemp had a reasonable season averaging 34 with the bat in first class cricket but more was expected of him as a senior player and the Welsh side decided to build for the future.

"They haven't offered me a new contract so I'm definitely not staying there. I wanted to stay but due to performances and my age they decided not to renew.

"I'm going to see what happens in the next three or four weeks. Personally I feel fit enough. I feel I can play first class cricket in this country but it's in the hands of the clubs.

"It depends whether they feel it is worth giving an opportunity to a 37-year-old."

Hemp still hopes to be involved with Bermuda over the winter but admits he may reconsider his international future if he can't find a club.

"At this stage I certainly hope to be available but that could change in the next month. A lot depends on the next three or four weeks and whether or not I can carry on playing county cricket."

Hemp will complete his level four instructor's badge in November and would consider a move into coaching.

"I hadn't been thinking about coaching straight away. At the moment my interest and ambition is to carry on playing. That focus is still there.

"But if I get no offers from county sides then I'll have to re-assess."

Hemp feels Glamorgan were wrong to let him go but insists there are no hard feelings.

"I was not surprised by the decision based on a conversation I had with the coach six weeks ago. I felt I should have got an extra year, but it was not a surprise that I didn't.

"I've had a great time at Glamorgan, starting off as a youngster and captaining each age group from Colts through to the first team. I've got nothing but good memories at the club.

"For me it's not the end of the world, it's just a new chapter. We'll have to wait and see what happens."

Club's announcement

Announcing the decision yesterday, Maynard told the press: "I am looking long-term, two or three years down the line, with the youngsters and David is not going to be around in a couple of years time.

"So averaging in the low 30s for Glamorgan is not enough.

"At the end of your career you have to be performing because you are one of the higher-paid players.

"He has shown glimpses of what he can do at that period but you need consistency from your senior players and we have not seen that from David this season.

"He looked in great touch at the start of the season but his form started to slip.

"We had an appraisal when we were playing at Colwyn Bay and he was told exactly what was required if he was to be offered a new contract.

"But he did not do that."

Maynard added that Hemp had been offered the chance to bow out himself and retire but the Bermuda World Cup batsman had been determined to carry on.

"He wants to carry on and we wish him well whichever way he goes.

"There are 17 counties to go for and if there is someone out there who thinks he can get a contract he will do so. I am not too sure myself but you never know."[[In-content Ad]]

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