Matt Mason is approaching his 15th season at New Road – and Worcestershire's Assistant Coach-Bowling Coach said: "Hopefully I can do another 15 years here."
Mason first linked up with Worcestershire for the 2002 campaign and was a key component in their bowling attack for several years – taking 50 plus wickets three seasons on the trot – before retiring in 2011 after a shoulder problem.
By then he had already taken his first steps into coaching and that has developed to such an extent that he was in charge of the playing side at New Road this winter when Steve Rhodes was on England Lions duty.
The Australian, who yesterday celebrated his 41st birthday, regards the Club as "a special place" and says the fact so many young players have signed long term contracts shows they have the same sort of bond.
Mason said: "People say I am clocking up the years. It is because it is that sort of place. People often ask me 'do you want to be a head coach somewhere one day' and I say 'of course I do – but I want it to be here one day' if I'm lucky enough.
"You can't imagine yourself coaching anywhere else and as a player playing anywhere else.
"It's not just people like me because look at all the young lads who have signed contracts long term with this club because it is quite a special place.
"From that point of view, I'm not surprised I've done 15 years and hopefully I can do another 15 years to be honest as long as we are going alright."
Mason added: "What is it about the place? I don't think you can put your finger on it and that's probably a good thing.
"You just walk in here and the way you are welcomed by people……the city itself is also very welcoming.
"I can walk around this ground anytime of day and speak to anybody and feel very comfortable and very safe and very open to being able to talk about anything.
"You walk into some grounds, a big concrete stadium with no atmosphere and I can't imagine people stop and talk to you and say a great deal. It's just got a different feel about the place.
"It is a very family orientated club. I remember when guys like Graeme Hick were here and all had young families and were made very welcome and it is that sort of thing that makes it so special."
