Loye relishes Northants challenge

Loye spent 12 years with Northants during his first spell at Wantage Road

Mal Loye believes he will be part of an exciting side at Northants next season following his return to Wantage Road.

The 37-year-old has rejoined from Lancashire and is closing in on 15,000 first class and 9,000 one-day runs.

He told BBC Radio Northampton: "It was difficult to leave Lancs. But Northants are very close to my heart.

"With [David] Sales back, and me in the middle order as well, it's adding to an already exciting side for one-day cricket and the County Championship."

Loye has signed a two-year deal, but does not rule out playing beyond 2011.

Mal will bring with him not only his batting and cricketing skills, but a vast amount of knowledge

David Capel

"I feel fresh and fit and I've got that hunger for the game," he said. "It's a two-year deal and I'll play that and then maybe one other on top of that."

Head Coach David Capel told the club's website: "I'm thrilled to welcome Mal back home to Northants Cricket. I'm delighted that he has come back after seven years of gaining even more valuable experience from his time with Lancashire.

"I'm sure Mal will bring with him not only his batting and cricketing skills, but a vast amount of knowledge to share with us all."