Blogmanay wishes..

Thanks to Mrs P for the festive title for tonight's piece, one that means more to those north of the border than elsewhere, no doubt.

It's been a good year and one that added a quarter of a million views and more to the site, as well as another 350,000 on Sportskeeda. Interest in Derbyshire cricket is alive and well.

This time last year I was writing about the new coaching structure and Graeme Welch was the popular choice to become the head of it. Almost a year down the line, the club is in a better shape and the potential is considerable. The player turnover has been quick -  faster than planned or perhaps hoped for - but anyone comparing the staff at this stage to a year ago can only conclude it is better.

With overseas additions (at least) in the New Year, Wayne Madsen's promise of 'tough, relentless, aggressive cricket' will make Derbyshire a tough team to beat in 2015. I am still less than convinced of our one-day credentials. especially in T20, but am happy to be proved wrong. They did it, to some extent, in the Royal London Cup last year and played some terrific cricket along the way.

Expectation will be high this summer and a good start is important - but I can't wait for it all to begin and tomorrow it will be - and will feel - closer.

Happy 2015 everyone. Thanks for your support, encouragement, messages and emails this year. I look forward to many more in the year ahead.

And in closing, thanks to Office Care  for their support over the past two years. I hope we can continue this, which has enabled the blog to be ad-free and more professional-looking and am very grateful to all concerned who made it happen.

Cheers, everyone!