KENT all-rounder Mark Ealham has spoken of his regret and disappointment at leaving the county after 15 years.

Ealham has signed a three-year deal with Nottinghamshire after contract talks at the St Lawrence Ground broke down.

The 34-year-old wanted to stay with Kent, but was not prepared to accept their offer of a 12-month contract with a negotiable roll-over for further years.

He said: “When the recent announcements were made by the club stating I had signed with Nottinghamshire, I was very surprised to see how amicable the whole thing sounded. It was almost as if the club had done all they could to keep me, which I feel is certainly not the case.

“From the very start of our negotiations there was never more than a one-year contract on offer which, to this moment, I still don't really understand.

“I know a lot of people might think I was holding out for a three-year deal, or for more money, but that was my ideal contract term and the issue of salary was never discussed.”

Ealham felt that during some of the meetings there were a lot of negatives in the discussions. He said: “As a player, you know when you're really not wanted anymore. There were too many excuses why I shouldn't be offered more than a one year contract.”

Throughout the talks Ealham said he tried to explain that a longer term contract was not about complacency but security.

He said: “The one thing I did not want to do is to leave this county with bad feelings, like many have done before me. This is actually very difficult because I am very disappointed.”

Ealham wished his Kent team-mates all the best for the future and thanked his family, friends and the supporters for their help and encouragement during a difficult time, as well as Kent chief executive Paul Millman for his help in trying to resolve the matter.

He said: “ I sincerely hope the public can understand my decision and once again thank everyone for their generous support in my benefit season and throughout my career.”

Mike Denness, Kent’s chairman of cricket, said the club were sad that Ealham was leaving after such a long and distinguished career at the St Lawrence Ground.

He said: “We had hoped to persuade him to end his playing days here in Kent, but the security of a three-year contract, with options to renew and an exciting challenge with Nottinghamshire, is a decision which we must respect, and we wish him well.

“For our part, we must move on and look forward to next season as we continue to look to strengthen our playing squad to meet the challenges of 2004 and beyond.”

Kent captain David Fulton said he had enjoyed playing with Ealham, and was keen for there to be no animosity in his departure. He said: "I wish him all the best, and have no hard feelings."