YORKSHIRE seam bowler Steven Patterson has followed the example set earlier this week by his team mate, Jack Brooks, and signed a one-year contract extension which keeps him at the club until the end of 2018.

The 33-year-old has played 122 first-class matches for Yorkshire, taking 321 wickets since making his debut in 2005, and has been awarded a testimonial by the club this season.

Now, though, the Beverley-born seamer, whose accuracy is renowned throughout the county game, can also look forward to another two seasons with the only county for which he ever wished to play.

“I’m obviously delighted as I’ve been with the club a long time now after coming through the academy as a kid,” Patterson said.

“This is the only club that I’ve wanted to play for, the only club I’ll probably ever play for, and to continue for an extra year is delightful.

“I’ve obviously got a testimonial this year in recognition of how long I have played, so to know I’m going to be playing a little bit longer after that is brilliant.”

Patterson has become a firm favourite among the spectators at Headingley, where he has been dubbed Mr Reliable.

The bowler’s passion for Yorkshire is plain and he is now eager to help ensure that the current crop of White Rose players to go down in Yorkshire history.

“There are a lot of lads with whom I’ve played who have gone on to play for England and receiving the Yorkshire cap is arguably a prouder moment for them than getting their England cap. It means so much to the lads born and bred in the county.

“It’s a special club with a special history. The exciting thing for us as players is being part of a team that could go down in history as one of the great Yorkshire teams. That’s pretty special in itself.

With the 2017 season just around the corner, Patterson says that the Yorkshire players are raring to go as they bid to regain the Specsavers County Championship title.

“We had two fantastic years and then last year we weren’t at our best for whatever reason,” he said. “We admit that and accept it.

“Whether we were too laid back or took it for granted, I don’t know, but this year will be a test for us to see how we respond to that. We’re raring to go, excited and determined to get back to winning ways.”