Boon is full of optimism for the new season

Leicestershire head coach Tim Boon says the close-season signing of Matthew Hoggard has brought a new feeling of optimism to Grace Road.

Former England international Hoggard, 33, has signed a three-year contract after leaving Yorkshire last summer.

"Matthew's still got the wow factor," Boon told BBC Radio Leicester. "It's exciting times.

"We have a change and a different feel to the squad and I'm really looking forward to it."

Boon believes new skipper Hoggard, a key member of England's Ashes winning side of 2005, has a huge part to play

Boon added: "Matthew has played a lot of Test matches, taken 250 wickets with some phenomenal performances that our guys were watching as schoolboys.

"He has created a good vibe in the changing room already; he doesn't ask anyone to do anything that he wouldn't do. He's bright and articulate and likes to have a bit of fun.

"We want to play some tough cricket but we want to enjoy every day."

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