SOMERSET fast bowler Steffan Jones has joined Northamptonshire after seven seasons at the County Ground.

Jones is believed to have been offered a two-year deal by Northants, after being given permission to leave Somerset.

As the Somerset County Gazette went to press, Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson was understood to be preparing a statement to announce Jones' departure.

And a Northants spokesman confirmed that the Welshman had put pen to paper yesterday (Thursday).

The 29-year-old struggled to hold down a regular first team place last season, taking just 22 wickets in eight first class matches at an average of 42.

Jones made his debut for Somerset in 1997, the same year he won Blues for cricket and rugby at Cambridge.

His best season came in 2001, when he took 59 wickets.

That summer Somerset won the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy, with Jones taking 3-40 in the final against Leicestershire, including the final wicket to clinch victory.

Northants have won promotion to Division One of both the Frizzell County Championship and the one-day National League during 2003.