Membership rates tick the boxes

I have long espoused the merits of those at the helm of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the news of next summer's membership rates does nothing but fuel the argument.

Keep in mind the fact that Derbyshire were champions last summer and will be playing against the creme de la creme of the game next year and you could be excused for expecting a price hike of some kind for 2013. Put it another way - were Derby County to reach the Premiership in football for 2013-14 you could expect your seat to cost you much more than in the current campaign.

But no. If you buy your ticket before the end of January, you can get it at this season's rate. An orderly queue should be forming ahead of Christmas at the County Ground, as a membership is the best gift that I can think of for a Derbyshire fan.

I especially applaud the new "Six Pack" initiative that gets someone into any six days of first class cricket that they choose for £55. The harsh reality is that there are many fans whose work or family commitments mean that they cannot get to as many games as they might wish. The Six Pack therefore represents excellent value and is indicative of a marketing team who are thinking about the needs of the club membership.

There will still be those who live at some distance and cannot guarantee even that level of attendance, and perhaps a "Weekender" allowing access to any three days could have had some appeal, but the options are many and they represent excellent value.

My son, a student himself, thought the Student membership at £50 "a bargain" and I hope it meets with the desired response. Of course, the challenge is that the start of the season coincides with the onset of examinations, while many studying in Derby will head home over the summer months. There should still be enough around the city to make it worthwhile though and £160 for a full summer of cricket is an exceptionally good rate.

With additional benefits to be had, including discounted drinks in the club bar, it would appear that the club have covered the bases and are looking after supporters every bit as well as they now look after players.

All involved are to be warmly congratulated on a piece of work that is both innovative and refreshing. Well done guys!

On Monday we get to hear the fixtures. I've already told Mrs P that Scotland in Glasgow or Uddingston and Yorkshire at Scarborough would be my Christmas well and truly sorted. The time off for both would be booked by close of play on Tuesday...

Meanwhile on the county circuit, Sajid Mahmood has signed for Essex, while George Bailey, Australia's one-day captain has signed for Hampshire as overseas player for 2013. For the former it represents last chance saloon and he will hope for greater success than that 'enjoyed' by Greg Smith down south. As for Bailey, he is a good cricketer who could turn out to be an inspired signing. The feeling persists that he is a better one-day option, but he will enjoy southern tracks and will score his share of runs.

Still, why should we care too much? Astonishing as it still sounds, we're playing in a higher division than those two sides next year.

Great, isn't it?