The morning after...

Thanks to all of you who helped to make yesterday the single biggest day in the life of this blog.

There were over 1400 hits yesterday, two thirds of them from the UK, but plenty from the USA, Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany and the West Indies. I'll not dare to think that Shivnarine was logging in to check what was being said, but it illustrates the interest in the club - and the player - from around  the globe.

The country's media were very kind to us today and rightly so. It is good for the county game for a player of Chanderpaul's stature to be on the circuit and fans, both home and away, will be keen to see him close up. I'd venture that a few of them will want to see plenty of runs from him too. When Lawrence Rowe played against England years back, I used to pray at night that he would make a hundred, at the same time that we bowled them out for 150. Of course, it rarely happened after his debut series against England, although my memory suggests the Windies normally got 500...

It was great to see the Derby Evening Telegraph doing us proud too, with a series of articles that must have looked impressive in hard copy. My old Dad went down to the only local shop that sells the Telegraph (they stay across the border in a county beginning with 'N') and was told that they'd gone in record time and had none left.

"Didn't think you know 'owt about cricket in this county" was his response. Priceless...old habits die hard and at nearly 85 he's as feisty as ever, not to mention thrilled at the signing.

The Telegraph has had some stick among Derbyshire supporters over the years for only being bothered about Derby County. In their defence, the city's reputation as a football hotbed, together with the commensurate sales that stories doubtless bring, has been a major factor. So too has been the inescapable truth that for large chunks of my lifetime the cricket club has been very much the poor relation. Apart from a Sunday league win and the odd Lords final, Gerald Mortimer and Mark Eklid must have been tempted to pop the odd anti-depressant en route to the match.

Changed days now. Don't expect me to boldly predict a Championship win on the back of this stunning signing, but it should go some way towards helping us become established in the division. As is pointed out today by the skipper, talented young players cannot help but learn from a cricketing great in the side, as well as a world-ranked batting coach in David Houghton.

I was thrilled to read Wayne Madsen say that Chanderpaul will bat at four in the championship, which is exactly where I would have played him. I assume the first choice batting line up would be Godleman, Madsen, Durston, Chanderpaul, Redfern and Whiteley. Isn't it funny how that has a look of durability that wasn't there in all eyes a couple of days back?

By the same token, I expect him to open in the one-day game, which he has done in style on many occasions for his country. That would give us a sheet anchor who can play himself in and then open out once he has found his range.

Madsen also seems thrilled to have Chanderpaul on board, citing his experience as captain of the West Indies and the help he can give. Shiv comes with a reputation of a player who is very good in the dressing room and happy to spend time with young players. For me, his signing represents a definitive win/win situation.

In closing, thanks for your kind e mails and comments and please keep them coming! Here's one more Youtube clip that you may not have seen. West Indies v Sri Lanka, two balls left, ten to win, Chaminda Vaas bowling to Chanderpaul. How can Sri Lanka possibly lose? Sorry about the poor footage, but I can't do anything about that...

Enjoy, my friends! Catch up soon.