Skipper James Tredwell says he hopes Kent provides the environment for new fast bowler David Griffiths to thrive.

The Hampshire paceman, who turns 28 on Tuesday, has signed on at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, for the 2014 season after failing to secure a first-team spot at the Ageas Bowl.

Tredwell said: “He’s at the stage where he needs to be playing cricket. Hopefully, if he can show the form he’s capable of, then he’ll get that opportunity with us.

“We needed to add to our bowling stock and he gives us something different to what we have, especially now that Matt Coles is going.”

Kent have also announced a second new signing in the form of Mitch Claydon – who spent three months on loan at Canterbury this summer before being recalled this week to cover an injury crisis at parent club Durham.

Tredwell said: “Mitch probably has a higher pedigree in terms of cricket but it’s also about what you can bring to the group and he has added a lot in the dressing room since he’s been with us.”

Tredwell said: “There are still negotiations going on about extending other stays and we are still looking around at new players, although I think we are pretty happy with what we’ve got.”