RYAN Sidebottom has become the fourth player within the last month to sign an extended contract with Yorkshire, committing himself to the county champions for a further year until December 2016.

Fellow pace bowler Steve Patterson penned a new contract earlier this week alongside England Lions batsman Alex Lees. Last month, Adam Lyth did likewise.

The 37-year-old, born in Huddersfield, embarks upon his 18th season of first-class cricket in 2015, with the aim to complete 20 as a professional by the time he hangs up his boots.

He has won the LV= County Championship four times, twice with Yorkshire and twice with Nottinghamshire. The left-armer is also within touching distance of 700 first-class career wickets and 1,000 in all forms.

“I am absolutely delighted to be signing a new deal,” said Sidebottom. “It’s been a great couple of years for the club, with us winning the Championship and continuing to improve.

“I think it shows where the club is going, and I still love playing - the passion is still there.”