Swann was one of England's star performers in the Ashes

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell says Graeme Swann's absence has been a key factor in their failure to turn Championship draws into wins.

Swann played a major role with both bat and ball to help England to a 2-1 Ashes Test series win over Australia.

But Notts have drawn six of their last seven games and hopes of bringing title glory to Trent Bridge are fading.

"Not having Graeme has cost us a lot in terms of trying to take 20 wickets," Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"Now Graeme is England's premier spinner and has got ahead of Monty Panesar - and it looks like he will be in there for another couple of years at least - we need to develop another spin bowler if we are going to be competitive in county cricket."

Notts are in second spot in the table, 37 points behind leaders Durham.

And to stand any realistic chance of winning the title, they will probably have to win their remaining four games - including the match against Durham at the Riverside.

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