KENT supporters and officials have been buoyed by news that former England spinner Min Patel has turned down an approach from Warwickshire to sign a new deal that should keep him at Canterbury until his retirement.

The second city club, who have also failed with a recent bid for Martin Saggers, held two interviews with Kent’s veteran spinner and appeared confident of landing their man as they did Alex Loudon last year, but the Indian-born left-armer has opted to extend his 17-year association with Kent.

Patel said: "It was a bloody difficult decision as I was given the chance to move to a club with a recent history of success and winning trophies.

"At this stage of my career I wanted to know whether Kent could be in a position to challenge and I’ve talked a lot with chairman of cricket Graham Johnson and our chief executive Paul Millman about issues like overseas players and the captaincy.

"Like me, they have ambition and are not prepared to settle for mediocrity and I came away believing that we can still achieve something at Kent."

Patel has a been plagued by injury during his career. He recovered from spinal surgery at the end of 2003 to become Kent’s leading wicket-taker this summer with 59 wickets costing 27 apiece.

An ever-present in Kent’s championship side for 2005, he bagged three five wicket hauls with a best of six for 53, ironically to bowl Kent to victory over Warwickshire in Birmingham.

Kent have also confirmed that Saggers, James Tredwell, Robert Ferley and Joe Denly have all signed contract extensions and South African-born batsman Neil Dexter, who made his county debut this summer, has signed a two year deal.

Although still under contract, opening batsman Michael Carberry, has been given permission to talk to other counties, while Alamgir Sheriyar and budding wicketkeeper Richard Piesley have been released.

Commenting on the retained list, chairman of cricket Johnson said: "I am delighted that we have been able to retain the majority of our successful championship squad for next season.

"We want to build on our championship success, but at the same time recognise that we have much to do to improve our one-day performances."

Kent’s cricket committee will now turn their attention to resolving the choice of overseas players and captaincy and announcements on both issues are expected shortly.