Thoughts on the Andersson signing

One thing that is guaranteed, with the signing of Martin Andersson from Middlesex, is that Mickey Arthur will be in charge of Derbyshire next season.

Regardless of the fairly widespread disappointment in this season, the board has obviously decided that he should see out the remainder of his contract and be allowed to recruit and perhaps make next year the one we have all been waiting for. 

I can understand the rationale. We are not really in a position to terminate and there are no guarantees, of course, that anyone better or more suitable would be interested in the post. So we go with what we have and hope that fortunes are transformed for 2025.

Tim made a comment below my previous piece, suggesting that Andersson was not a signing that excited him and I get that. By the same token, how many domestic signings over the years really have done? Most of our successes in recruitment have come with players who have lacked opportunity elsewhere and are seeking the chance to establish themselves in the game. 

Perhaps not too many people were blown away when we signed Tony Palladino, Tim Groenewald and David Wainwright, but all of them became key components of the side that won promotion in 2012. It was the same when John Morris trialled a young South African named Wayne Madsen - there were no guarantees he would make it, certainly not go on to club legend status, but that's what happened.

For all Mickey's assertions to the contrary, BIG names are not going to choose to move to Derbyshire, because for one thing, we cannot afford to pay the gigantic salaries they might earn elsewhere. 

So for me, a player like Andersson is perfect. He has averaged 4-5 championship matches a season at Middlesex, which is fine for a young player making his way in the game, but not for a mature one. The opportunity to establish himself will have been a consideration, while as someone mentioned earlier, whatever his Derbyshire salary, it will buy much more, in moving out of London, than the Middlesex equivalent. 

The real 'oomph' from signings should and hopefully will come from overseas players. If we are genuinely going to challenge on all fronts, we need a top quality bat and the same in a bowler. I understand this was mentioned by Mickey last night at the member's forum, so we are on the same page, at least. 

Someone also asked if we have too many all rounders. Can you have too many? The ideal for Derbyshire in overseas recruitment would probably be a batter who can bowl a few overs and a bowler who can score quick runs if required. I just wonder if there might be a thought to splitting the overseas roles, players for the 4-day game and others for the T20 blast. You probably wouldn't say no to Mohammad Amir coming back, but he would likely only want to play T20. Likewise, if there was a glimmer of a chance in Shan Masood, he might prefer the longer competitions. It is all supposition and up in the air at present, but subject to knowledge of availability, I wouldn't expect the Derbyshire Head of Cricket to hang around in his recruitment.

Going back to the question, we have a lot of all rounders, but they each have stronger sides. For example, Luis Reece is stronger with the bat and I suspect Andersson is, Anuj Dal is perhaps 50/50, Zak Chappell is more of a bowler. Ross Whiteley is primarily a batter, Samit Patel these days more of a bowler. The danger is if you fill your side with only occasional bowlers or players who have two or three innings of note per season. Or if all the bowling options are right arm, medium...

Further recruitment will depend on retention and fitness. Will Matt Lamb, Sam Conners, Nick Potts and Mitch Wagstaff still be here? In a small staff, they would need replaced if released or seeking a move, but the success of domestic recruitment will also determine the overseas choice.

So too will the fitness of Ben Aitchison. For my mind the best red ball bowler in the club, but it seems unlikely he will play this year and much will depend on his fitness in 2025, as well as his continued ability to move a ball with, one assumes,  a remodelled action. 

Then there are the pitches. I liked the one on which we played Middlesex, because there was both bounce and carry. If such pitches become the norm, a quick bowler would be a great asset. If they don't, perhaps an international spinner of quality would be preferable? Especially a leggie..

There are a lot of questions above and if nothing else I wanted to highlight the challenges that face Mickey Arthur this winter. 

If next year is to be his last, he will want to go out on a high. Regardless of whether you feel he is the right man to take us forward, at the end of the day that is what we all want.