The dust has finally settled in the Courtney Walsh debate and there are many views on the decision to withdraw his contract.

Both sides have been saying almost the opposite of each other so it is hard to find the truth. The main reason behind the withdrawal was not the fact that Mark Alleyne might be unavailable for much of the season. A letter was sent by Gloucestershire before the England squad was announced.

A simple lack of communication could be behind the problem. Walsh wanted to play for Gloucestershire and did not want to play for the West Indies in the World Cup. However, it seems he did not tell Gloucestershire this and with Walsh taking a long time to decide with no real reason and the news that his agent, with or without Walsh's knowledge, was talking to Glamorgan they understandably might not have been too pleased.

Money could be the reason behind the dramatic withdrawal. With Walsh demanding 20% of the playing budget (around £100,000) they might have felt that this was not value for money and they would rather spend it on other things, perhaps the building of the new Jessop Stand.

One, more sinister, reason could be linked to two other stories in the last year. The similar withdrawal of Chris Read's contract and the departure of cricket secretary Phillip August. Reasons given for Read's departure were that he had been talking to other counties and that Gloucestershire had 'run-out of patience'. Sounds familiar?

Whatever the real reason behind the decision, the truth remains that Gloucestershire have lost one of their most reliable servants in recent years. He produced many match winning performances in 1998 and was rewarded with 106 wickets. His advice has helped many young bowlers at the County Ground.

Walsh will be missed during the coming season but Gloucestershire might just be lucky with their decision. The 100 wicket void might be able to be filled by Mike Smith, Jon Lewis, the overseas singing that will replace Walsh and perhaps another bowler from the second XI. As it turned out, if Alleyne is in the World Cup squad, there will be little chance of winning anything unless there is a dramatic improvement in the batting department.

Although Walsh is a great bowler and is perhaps playing the best cricket of his career, at 36 years old there has to be a chance of injury or maybe even a drop in form. The financial cost might be too much.

Courtney Walsh will be remember for a long time in Bristol and will go down as one of Gloucestershire's greats. Perhaps he will be back next season but with another county although his options now seem limited.