Yesterday I read an excellent article by David Hopps on Cricinfo, which said that Yorkshire are around £20 million in debt, as well as awaiting the ECB disciplinary ruling after the racism rows. It went on to say that their chief executive, Stephen Vaughan, is even having to dismiss suggestions that Yorkshire are so close to administration that they are wrongfully trading.
With 23 legal cases ongoing and the costs of that involving the dismissed physio, Wayne Morton, likely to rise to around two million pounds if he wins his in the High Court, our Northern neighbours are in turmoil. Which come to think of it is the most polite way I could have phrased that.
Fast forward 24 hours and news breaks that Derbyshire are now debt free, aside from a long-term mortgage, ahead of the target set of 2024. A profit of 174k last year enable them to reach this landmark, the ninth time in ten years that the club has registered a surplus.
It is extraordinary news, which deserves the warmest of plaudits to everyone involved, especially the chairman, Ian Morgan and the chief executive, Ryan Duckett. The business model for the club must be the envy of their peers and those who deride 'little Derbyshire' no longer have any substance in their snide comments.
That this has been achieved, while at the same time the club has been steadily restoring respect on the field, is quite remarkable. The recruitment of Mickey Arthur, who heads a terrific coaching staff, as well as an improved and evolving playing squad means that Derbyshire can go into the 2023 season in rude health. The rudest ever, without doubt. Money can now be invested on ground development, as well as further improvements to the playing staff.
All it needs now to cement this remarkable turn around is some silverware. With the head of cricket reinforcing his commitment to the club on a four-year contract, don't bet against that over the next three seasons.
I have to admit to still being puzzled why Shan Masood opted for Yorkshire over Derbyshire. I can only assume the finances offered were ridiculous, which in the light of yesterday's news is somewhat ironic. The captaincy of a club that appears likely to receive a points penalty in the coming weeks cannot be easy. I suspect there will be challenges ahead for the genial Pakistan opener.
As for Derbyshire, there is no better run club in the game. Our cloth is cut to suit, yet we still manage to identify rejected or ignored talent from elsewhere and turn them into serious first-class cricketers. There is a buzz around the Incora County Ground, yet the potential first choice side to start the season would likely include seven or eight players who would be carving a career outside of the game, were it not for the opportunities Derbyshire has given them. Not just that, but how well respected and how impressive are Messrs Godleman, Reece, Dal, Aitchison, Guest, Chappell, Lamb et al?
How sweet it would be if a trophy was forthcoming, even if it isn't this year. It would be well deserved and wholly appropriate recognition of the quality of work being done, on and off the field, at our club.
To every man and woman involved, I applaud and thank you for your efforts on behalf of our club.
Now, let's go and win some cricket matches!
Hi Peakfan, that is an excellent summary about the running of this great club. As you know I have been singing the praises of Ian Morgan and Ryan Duckett for sometime now. We are a small County and to be in the financial position we are, with a world class coach and the best squad of players in years is a magnificent achievement. Well done to all the Executive team and as you say let us have the great season. Thanks Mark Allen
ReplyDeleteRyan Duckett doesn’t go out of his way to talk to spectators, but to his huge credit he is always visible at home games
ReplyDeleteI'm Yorkshire born, live on the Wirral and avidly follow Derbyshire.
ReplyDeleteSo, to the Shan question. Money for one, however ironic that appears now, but also, rightly or wrongly, historical standing and more publicity. With the racist issues, Yorkshire have pretty much headed up national news coverage today. It wouldn't happen at Derbyshire, Northants etc no matter how topical the reason.
For what it's worth, I suspect Shan is very much questioning his decision, but the deed is done.
Sorry, Dave, Wirral
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. I think, after those issues, Yorkshire were always going to recruit from that part of the world to show how they have 'changed'
DeleteHave they? Have sections of their (at times) boorish support? There's a lot of pressure on an overseas player.
An overseas captain, going in after a racism row will be under a colossal amount. If anyone can do it, he can, but there will be times when he might wish he had stayed put. We will see!
Happy birthday (1st April) to John Morris (59) arguably Derbyshire s most gifted although ultimately unfulfilled English batsman it's hard to believe it will be forty years ago this year that John made his debut for Derbyshire, also this year it will be the fortieth anniversary of Kim Barnet and un questionably Derbyshire's greatest player becoming Derbyshire s youngest permanent captain, it's also thirty years ago this year that Derbyshire won the B+H cup at Lords
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed listening to your thoughts on North East Derbyshire radio Steve. Very good.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is an interesting TMS podcast previewing the season featuring Mickey Arthur and Alec Stewart. Well worth a listen. A good article on cricinfo too about MA.
After listening/reading about how optimistic MA is about our prospects this season, I'm off to lump 500 large ones on us to win the league!!
* North Derbyshire radio, rather than the more niche North East Derbyshire radio!
ReplyDeleteI knew what you meant, but yes, that would be niche!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be against us using Scarborough as an out ground occasionally should the Yorkies go into admin and be demoted to the Minor Counties. Presumably Headingley will remain the home of the Leeds Whingers in the 16.4
ReplyDelete*Paul (Pride Park)
ReplyDeleteOff topic - but the Cricketer has us finishing second in the CC - and the write up is very positive about the running of the club too
ReplyDeleteThat DCCC are able to announce such news is, quite frankly, tremendous and wonderful to hear. The club has navigated its way through and out of some difficult financial waters. Both on-field and off-, our house is now in order and that’s not only immensely satisfying but worth celebrating, too.
ReplyDeleteThe club has made some astute appointments in more recent times. The club is now able to play more of a role in the community and in staging year round events. Thank goodness we have been able to traverse that barren, arid landscape of the previous twenty years. Wow, the transformation..!
I hope this finds you in good health, too, Peakfan.
Best regards, Matt.
Sorry to be the party pooper but as I posted last year, our two aims should be to produce England players and win cricket matches (and trophies) and for most of those 10 years in question, the cricket has been poor. I'll give the benefit of the doubt to last year, but even so, we got lucky that Sam Conners was flogged to death and was about the only quick bowler in the country not to suffer a stress fracture, when his long-term career may have been better served by bringing in a loan or overseas signing (and yes, there were options available). It might have been better had some of those surpluses had been invested, sustainably, into our cricket. Comparing our off-field management to Yorkshire is like comparing our housekeeping to a bull in a china shop.
ReplyDeleteIt is all about opinions, Stone Rose. In the current economic climate, certainly that facing cricket, I think it was important to get the finances under control, which we have done. Professional sport has plenty of examples of clubs that chased silverware at severe detriment.. we don't need to look too far across our own city for that.
DeleteAs for available options last year, there is a balancing act between bringing in 'a body' which we did, to be fair, and having the right person. We replaced Lakmal for the T20 but getting overseas replacements mid-season is a challenge.