FROM one great to another, it seems hard to find the words to sum up a career like Graeme Hick’s.

In just over a week’s time, the New Road legend will say goodbye to county cricket after announcing his retirement.

A career that has spanned a quarter-of-a-century, the ‘chairman of the board’ Frank Sinatra sums it up perfectly in his 1969 version of My Way.

“And now, the end is near; and so I face the final curtain. My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

“I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve travelled each and ev’ry highway; But more, much more than this, I did it my way.

“Regrets, I’ve had a few; But then again, too few to mention.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the 42-year-old over the past week, some full of praise and sadly some not.

One thing for sure is Hick has had a magnificent career but now the Rhodesia-born batsman has to decide what lies beyond New Road.

Of course, he could return to join Worcestershire’s ever-growing coaching staff guiding the careers of the new generation of New Road batsmen.

There is also the possibility of Hick getting a lucrative offer to go and play in either the Indian Cricket League or the Indian Premier League.

Hick said at his media conference that he had been approached by the rebel ICL and, as he will not be playing county cricket next term, he would be free to do so without sanctions against himself or Worcestershire.

“At this stage I would be very surprised if I play anything next season, apart from the stuff which I have enjoyed recently which are the Bunbury games, maybe the Lashings, that sort of thing, just cricket where you keep in touch with old friends and do it for a decent cause,” he said.

“Now that I have retired, the ICL is an opportunity that may open up so that’s maybe an avenue I’ll look to pursue.

“I think everyone aged over 30 in English cricket has been approached, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

In an emotional media conference, Hick struggled to sum up what Worcestershire meant to him.

Not because the County meant nothing to him but because the New Road side have been his life for so long.

Having left in tears last Tuesday, you can guarantee there will be more tears when he makes his final walk back to the pavilion — whenever that maybe.

He is hoping to have shaken off his elbow injury in time for the Middlesex games next week and Worcestershire are expecting it to be standing room only for supporters.

Whatever Hick choses to do after he hangs up his Worcestershire bat, he is also a keen chef and golfer, the legend of New Road may be gone but never forgotten.