Such deals aren't going to make the lads rich - they consist of a basic salary which is enhanced by good performance - but provide them with an opportunity to work on their game and remain involved. They also incentivise good performance and both players will doubtless be keen to do well in 2014, as that would top up their salaries and improve the club's prospects into the bargain.
At a time when finances are under review, whatever the preferences of the players may be, the deals represent good value and common sense for the club. They retain the services of the players and will doubtless reward them if the performances come. Such deals exist for a lot of professions and the degree of common sense that has been applied in this case is hard to argue.
Both players have shown potential, but not yet enough to justify a full contract. The danger, I suppose, was that another county could have come and made them a better offer, but that cannot have been an option with two such novices.I'm sure everyone wishes them well and I hope that they have successful summers.
Elsewhere, Worcestershire have signed Saeed Ajmal, who should take a hatful of wickets in division two, always assuming that his country's administrators don't have him flying around the globe every other week to some tinpot tournament or another. More than any other nation, Pakistan seem to be involved in mini-series in distant cricketing outposts with what appears to be ever-changing personnel.
Worcestershire have presumably checked Ajmal's availability and if he is around for the long haul and stays fit he should ensure them a good summer.
Meanwhile Nottinghamshire have engaged Australian seamer Peter Siddle for next summer. Again, if he stays fit it is a good signing, as he is a bristly customer who will run in hard and bowl aggressively. The question mark may well be over his fitness, which has been an issue for him in recent years, but if he stays fit he should give their attack an edge that it has lacked of late.
Speaking of bowlers who run in hard and bowl aggressively, this week will see the start of my series of interviews with club legend Harold Rhodes. I hope to run it at a rate of one a week until Christmas and I know you will enjoy his tales of his Derbyshire career.
All things being equal, tomorrow should also see the next installment of the A to Z of Derbyshire cricket, which looks at the letter O.
There's some interesting options...
Just as a matter of interest Peakfan, have you any idea as to what a county cricketer is paid per season?. I'm not talking about International players just county ones. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteI was under the impression Slater had already signed a deal. Anyhow,it,s good news and likewise for Higginbottom. Given the lack of any activity in the domestic transfer market,I think it may be safe to conclude any new signing would be coming from overseas.I must admit,there were few players released that I would have been rushing to sign. If we can move Redfern on then obviously that would release some cash to further strengthen the squad.
ReplyDeleteA young player might get between 16 and 23K Mark, depending on the county, his potential and performance. A more established one with some good displays between 25 and 32, while an established professional between £35K and £70K - again, depending on how well they perform and perhaps their agent's talent...
ReplyDeleteFair points Marc, though I'd have liked to see a move for Stephen Moore, a very good opener with the experience we need at the top of the order. Whether he is continuing in the first-class game or planning to use his qualifications outside it now is anyone's guess...
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised a county as small as Derbyshire could afford those sort of wages Peakfan. I suppose this just goes to show how much Chris Grant is putting in to the club. Membership wouldn't even cover one players salary would it?.
ReplyDeleteMr Grant has made it clear that his main role is in ensuring the club is self-sufficient Mark. His contributions to the club are of his substantial business acumen with occasional support of specific ventures and initiatives. To my knowledge, the funding, for Derbyshire as well as most counties, of playing budgets comes largely through the ECB. That's why they can dictate the terms of player support - i.e. payments for those under 26 that clubs have brought through themselves
ReplyDelete