New signing Alex Gidman admits his "over-riding emotion is excitement" as he began his Worcestershire career today in earnest when reporting back for pre-season training.
Gidman met up with his new team-mates for the first time at Malvern College after moving from Gloucestershire to New Road on a two year contract.
He spent more than a decade at Gloucestershire and passed the 1,000 run mark in a season six times as well being part of the successful one-day side of the Jack Russell, Ian Harvey, Mark Alleyne era during the first half of the 2000s.
Unsurprisingly Gidman admits it felt "strange" as he headed up the M5 to Worcestershire rather than south from his home to Bristol for the first time for the launch of the winter work.
But now the 33-year-old is fully focused on a new career at Worcestershire in Division One of the LV County Championship following the county's fifth promotion in 12 seasons.
Gidman said: "It felt very strange actually this morning. I must admit this morning and last night was probably the most strange it has felt.
"I haven't been, for whatever reason, overly emotional or haven't thought about it too much. It has just kind of happened.
"It is probably the first time it has really sunk in (the move).
"But the over-riding emotion is excitement. I'm really excited about meeting the new group and experiencing the new set-up.
"It has been an interesting few months and it is nice to be getting on with the work now which is what I enjoy most.
"I'm looking forward to experiencing the new culture and the new set-up here."
*Tune into the Worcestershire website for Alex's hopes and goals for the future and his reflections on his career during this week.
