Bookmakers have been running for cover this week following Matthew Hoggard's decision to join Leicestershire.

A few days ago, you could back County at 20-1 to win next season's Division Two Championship title. Now they are as low as 10-1 in places, and you can expect to see those odds continue to shrink during the winter.

Hoggard's arrival has, justifiably, energised cricket fans throughout Leicestershire. And, with the possible exception of Peter Willey, he could prove the most inspired domestic signing since Chris Balderstone joined the County ranks, also from Yorkshire, for the 1971 campaign.

The following year Balderstone was man-of-the-match in the final when County landed their first title, the Benson & Hedges Cup.

That was the prelude to a run of success in the 1970s, including County's first Championship success in 1975.

I am not suggesting that the Grace Road club are on the brink of another golden era.

But they do look to have the nucleus of a highly-competent team for 2010 and beyond.

Too often in recent seasons, you have looked at the team sheet and wondered how they were going to take 20 wickets.

However, in Hoggard and the newly English-qualified Claude Henderson, they have two match-winning bowlers who should be available throughout the season.

Tom New made great strides as a wicket-keeper and a batsman during the second half of last summer, and there are a host of highly-promising young batsmen on the books.

Throw in new overseas player Australian Andrew McDonald and the spine of the side looks very strong.

County have also addressed the key issue outstanding from last summer by making Hoggard captain.

That is the right thing to do. His Test record means he will command respect from the whole squad, and his experience should prove invaluable to the young prospects.

There have been fears expressed in some quarters that non-Test match counties like Leicestershire might end up as feeder clubs for their richer rivals.

But County have made a statement of intent by signing Hoggard.

It is a move that deserves to pay off – and there is every reason to think it will.