Cricket: Taylor in contract dispute with Gloucestershire (From Gazette Series)

Chris Taylor is released by Gloucestershire CCC

4:45pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport By Rob Iles

CHRIS TAYLOR could take Gloucestershire to an employment tribunal to claim unfair dismissal following his release from the club.

The long-serving batsman agreed a new deal which was dependent on planning permission being granted for redevelopment of the County Ground when his contract run out at the end of last season.

However, Bristol City Council turned down those plans, restricting Gloucestershire’s playing budget for the 2012 season, and they have now confirmed that Taylor will not be staying at the club.

Chief Executive, Tom Richardson, said: “We agreed and signed a conditional contract with Chris Taylor which was dependent on our ground development plan going ahead.

“Unfortunately, the planning permission we sought was turned down last month and we have, therefore, not been able to complete this agreement.

“We would like to thank Chris very much for his years of service as both player and more recently fielding coach and wish him all the best for the future.”

A Gloucestershire statement added: “His release is now the subject of litigation and the club will make no further comment.”

Taylor, 35, was a key player for Gloucestershire last season, scoring 1,139 first class runs at an average of 40.47, and is still regarded as one of the best fielders in the country.

He became the first player to score a century at Lord’s on his first class debut in 2000 when playing for Gloucestershire against Middlesex and went onto win five one-day trophies with the club over the next four years.

Taylor was Gloucestershire’s captain in four-day cricket in 2004 and 2005, but after an injury ravaged second season in the role he was replaced by Jon Lewis, who also left the club this winter to join Surrey.