Graeme White will remain a Steelback for another year after signing a new multi-role contract with the Club.

The longest serving member of Northamptonshire’s squad, White made his debut in 2007 and has gone on to 172 appearances for Northamptonshire across all formats.

“I’m really looking forward to 2022, I still feel like I’ve got a lot left in me to contribute in the T20s and to help get the club close to winning that trophy again.” White said.

“It’s going to be an interesting year with a few new things on my plate but I’m excited to still be part of the club I’ve been with for such a long time.”

Topping the Steelbacks’ wicket-takers list in the 2021 Vitality Blast, White also claimed the title of all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket for Northamptonshire.

In addition to representing the Steelbacks in T20 cricket, the new deal sees the left-arm spinner increase his involvement with the Club’s coaching team.

White will take the reins as Head Coach of the Second Eleven as well as becoming the Club’s Lead Fielding Coach and Spin Bowling Coach.

“I never thought 5 or 10 years ago that I’d be in the coaching setup but I really enjoy it. It’s very different to playing but I still get that satisfaction and enjoyment from it.” White said.

“I’ve been working with the Second Eleven for a couple of years now so it’s nice that that’s now official.”

Head Coach John Sadler believed White’s new role was ‘one of the most crucial roles in the club’.

“Having to manage many players, at different stages of their career and under different pressures is important to get right. Graeme has the skill set, the character and the temperament to manage these players whilst still being able to assist them with their cricket.” Sadler said.

“Graeme’s knowledge of the game and his own experiences will enable him to guide the next generation of cricketers coming through.”

Consistently one of the Steelbacks strongest fielders, White had a clear goal in mind for his new coaching position.

“We’ve got a bit to improve on with our fielding so hopefully the supporters get to see our fielding transform in the next few years, being one of the best fielding teams in the country is the goal for me.”

White admitted the shift into coaching while remaining a player would generate a different relationship with the dressing room, but felt he’d already been welcomed by the group who had shown him ‘a good level of respect’.

“I don’t think I’ve changed too much but what I hope they understand is now moving forward that I’m there to help them improve and get better, I’ll tell them what I see and I hope that can be beneficial.”

“I’m enjoying the challenge of working with the lads no matter where they are on their journey or if we’ve played together before.”