Family ties ease pain of switch for Magoffin

AFTER a tricky autumn, things seem to have fallen into place perfectly for Steve Magoffin.

The 37-year-old pace bowler endured a difficult 2017 at times, suffering a serious Achilles injury in June and being told by his then-club Sussex that he wasn’t part of their future.

At Magoffin’s age, having suffered a notoriously difficult injury, some may have given up.

But Sussex’s decision left the Australian free to speak to other clubs, including his old employers Worcestershire.

The veteran played at New Road in 2008, and, with many of his wife’s family in the area, the decision to move to the New Road club seems to have been an easy one.

“Once Sussex indicated to me halfway through the year they weren’t sure whether I’d be offered a position for the following year I started talking to other counties and obviously Worcester came about,” said Magoffin.

“Once they were promoted, it all of a sudden fitted their plans for next year whereas Sussex, not being promoted, it probably didn’t suit their plans with the good crop of young bowlers they’ve got.

“It’s been ten years since I played there but in terms of the area we come very regularly with my wife’s family being up here.

“The real plus is that I can keep playing and I can put myself out there next season in an exciting Division One team. It’s where we would’ve relocated to eventually and to do that whilst I’m still playing is really positive.

“We’ve got two young children and it’s really important for them to be around family – obviously all mine are over in Australia so it’s even more important.”

Magoffin has enjoyed an excellent spell at Sussex, leading the pace attack for much of his six years there and taking 334 wickets including 72 in 2014 – Division One’s best that year.

The Queenslander admits it was tough to leave the county, but is clearly looking forward to a new challenge.

He said: “Six years I spent down there and probably the most successful five-yearperiod of my whole career really, bar last year.

“It was tough to leave, but I didn’t have much say in the matter! It’s great that I can now bring some experience to add to the exciting young players at Worcestershire.

“I’m excited to partner up with Joe Leach, one of the country’s standout bowlers.”

Magoffin is now working on a structured fitness plan to ensure he’s in prime condition for the 2018 season.

He suffered the Achilles injury during the first innings of Sussex’s win over Worcestershire last summer but believes the timing of the injury may have helped sustain his career.

“Thankfully I didn’t rupture it completely,” he said. “Had I done that I don’t think I would’ve come back.

“Also, when I felt it, it was basically the last over of the day so I was off my feet the moment I felt it go, perhaps I got lucky there.

“I’m very confident it won’t be a problem, it’s just a case now of having a strong winter.”