Sincere congratulations to all involved at Derbyshire County Cricket Club for their efforts in increasing membership of the club by over a hundred per cent, year on year. With 20% of that figure made up by new members, together with 364 junior members, the club has done very well so far.
The figure is still much lower than that of the 'big' counties, but it is always likely to be so. Like me, however, fans can see the genuine efforts being made to close the gap, on and off the pitch. The league title last summer did no harm, of course, while the signing of Shivnarine Chanderpaul serves clear notice that Derbyshire do not intend to simply make up the numbers and simply bask in the glory of last September.
There is every possibility that the figures will be further improved before the season and they fully deserve the support of people in the county. For those close enough to take full advantage, membership of the club represents outstanding value, while the new six-pack is a bargain for those whose commitments limit their free time.
Congratulations are also due tonight to Michael Di Venuto, who has been appointed batting coach of the Australian national side. Diva was, of course, a highly popular player at Derbyshire and his experience will be a great asset to his country ahead of the coming summer's Ashes battle.
Finally tonight, it is good to see Dougie Brown at last getting a crack at a top job as he takes over at county champions Warwickshire. Brown is very popular up here in Scotland and was a very good county professional, one big enough to remember his roots in the game. He was a major figure in enabling his old Scottish club to raise the money for an overhaul of the drainage system, which was good to see.
He was also in the frame for the top job at Derbyshire when John Morris took over and deserves this opportunity.
Just as long as he doesn't get off to a flyer when May comes...
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