WORCESTERSHIRE insist they will not renew their interest in former England star Matthew Hoggard after his shock release from Yorkshire.

The New Road side went after the 32-year-old seamer in the summer, putting in a 28-day notice of approach.

However, they did not follow up that interest, partly down to financial reasons it is believed.

Now the 2005 Ashes winner has been released at Headingley, County chief executive Mark Newton says things won’t change.

“It was a surprising bit of news,” Newton said.

“However, our situation doesn’t change. We put a 28-day notice of approach in during the summer but decided not to follow it up.”

Newton also insists the County’s stance on want-away Kabir Ali will not change either despite the availability of Hoggard.

The 28-year-old strike bowler is desperate to leave New Road this winter, with Hampshire his desired destination.

However, Worcestershire are insisting on £60,000 compensation for the final year of his contract and that has been the main stumbling block to his release.

“We talked about this informally a short while ago and will do again at tonight’s board meeting. Nothing has changed,” the chief executive said.

“You always do look at the situation but, as things stand, Kabir is staying at Worcestershire and we are not going to renew our interest in Matthew.”

Newton added the County have yet to make further signings following the departures of wicketkeeper Steve Davies, spinner Gareth Batty and opener Stephen Moore.