Miller as President strikes the right note

The good news keeps on coming at Derbyshire, as former England cricket supremo Geoff Miller has accepted the club presidency.

It is quite a coup for the club from several perspectives.

First of all, Miller was National Selector for the England team during its greatest period of dominance in many years. His standing in the game is unblemished by the side's recent decline and from that perspective he is the ideal, the perfect candidate. He is hot property within the game and as such his acceptance of the role is further evidence of the club's increased standing.

Secondly, Miller is a club legend, a cricketer of considerable class, yet has gone on to even greater deeds. His record for Derbyshire is well-known and needs no repetition here, but having a stalwart of the club in the role is a major coup.

Then there's his experience to take into account. Is there anyone better in the game to advise the club on the way to develop England players than a man who has spent the last few years of his life selecting them? Miller knows the standards required for international cricket and will doubtless be able to advise the Derbyshire coaching staff as and when required.

Finally, there's another factor. A very successful lunch was held at the County Ground today as a fund-raiser for the club's pre-season tour. Given Geoff Miller's reputation as one of the best after-dinner speakers on the circuit, I fully expect to see a number of such events held throughout his tenure. At a time when county cricket finances are tight, the potential for such events is considerable and the income potential for a small club like Derbyshire is the same.

It is a very sensible, well thought out and positive appointment by the club. To be fair, under the current administration I would expect nothing less.

Welcome back home Geoff. We look forward to seeing a lot of you as the summer progresses.