Mason has spent the past eight seasons at New Road

Worcestershire bowler Matt Mason has signed a new one-year playing contract.

The 36-year old, who is also the county's bowling coach, said he is delighted to have earned another deal.

"I'm still here which is the key as otherwise if you're not performing at my age why would people hang on to you?" he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"It's important that I can keep doing what I do well, but at the same time as a senior player you lead from the front and the youngsters can learn from you."

Mason made his first-class debut for Western Australia in the 1996/97 season and has been a consistent performer for Worcestershire over the years since joining the club in 2002.

I love my cricket still and I love what is happening at Worcester in terms of the club's direction Matt Mason

He has recently combined the role of player with that of the club's bowling coach and has overseen the development of Worcestershire's clutch of emerging young bowlers.

"I sometimes get frustrated by it as obviously playing can sometimes get in the way of the coaching," he added.

"You want continuity and want to be with the players you are coaching all the time so you can help them through.

"Sometimes that is not possible as I then disappear off and play a bit of cricket myself.

"But generally having the relationship that I do with the guys as a player has helped that role work very well," he added.

After a difficult season in which the county has blooded a number of young players, Mason feels there are brighter times ahead for Worcestershire.

"I love my cricket still and I love what is happening at Worcester in terms of the club's direction," he said.

"To continue on as a player and also a coach at the club and be a part of it is something I wanted to do.

"So for Steve Rhodes to support me and back me again is terrific and I am really pleased."

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