After five years as skipper, Wayne Madsen has decided to step down as Derbyshire captain and will hand over the four-day reins to Billy Godleman for 2016.
It is an understandable and totally amicable move that will allow him to focus on his batting. Given that the captaincy scarcely had a detrimental effect on it, one wonders how many runs he might score without the added responsibility.
He did a very good job in the role and will always, of course, be remembered as one of the handful of Derbyshire captains to lift silverware, after the division two success of 2012.
Wayne was never a demonstrative skipper, but is not that kind of man and you cannot be something you're not capable of. What he has been, beyond question, is an impeccable role model to which most can only aspire. he will continue to be just that and will prove a sage counsel for young players and, of course, the new skipper.
I have little doubt that Billy will do a good job for us in this capacity, just as he did last year when he stepped in when Wayne was injured. Another lovely lad, Billy is perhaps a little more combative on the pitch and will stand his ground when the words are occasionally flying in the middle.
He will be full of confidence after the best season of his career in 2015 and looking to build on that this summer.
Don't be surprised if he does just that.
In other news tonight, the club's new President has been announced as legendary opening batsman Kim Barnett, who replaces Geoff Miller
One of the finest batsmen to ever play for the county, Barnett captained the side through a golden era, in which visitors came to Derby with a degree of trepidation. The wicket was often hard to spot from the rest of the square, as Barnett's battery of seamers cut swathes through the visiting sides.
With so many fine players in the side, the greater surprise was that we didn't win more trophies, but there were strong characters in that squad that didn't always pull in the same direction.
I'm delighted to see Kim's contribution to the county recognised in this way and it will be a pleasure to see him back at the place where he will always be lauded as one of the all-time greats.
More from me soon.
The timing is strange for me on this one. Derbyshire normally wait for the season to get underway before the turmoil kicks in - often fairly quickly. I hope Godleman will grow into the roll as repeats of his indiscipline as captain will not be tolerated by umpires and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteYes.i can only echo peakfans appraisal re billy being given the reigns as 4 day captain.
ReplyDeleteMay add an edge to the captaincy.
Taking absolutely nowt away from
Wayne M.hes been the perfect
Ambassador for dccc for the past few years.onwards n upwards you falcons!.
Turmoil Tim? Where are you getting that from mate? Madsen has made it clear that he felt five years was enough and has been public in saying that he wanted to concentrate on his game.
ReplyDeleteHe wouldn't have signed a new deal if there was any frisson and my understanding is that he is remaining, at least for the time being, in the role of club captain and the ambassadorial role in which he absolutely excels.
No turmoil Tim. Just a club that for the first time in decades is pulling together.
Daisypod - couldn't agree more!
Perhaps badly worded as I'm not suggesting any turmoil now, though as a Derbyshire fan it is something we rather take for granted. The timing is odd though.
ReplyDeleteBilly has just become a Dad and they wanted to see all was OK at a hectic time of any man's life before it went public. Think it a good move and could prove inspired.
ReplyDeleteI like the change, after a poor season in 4 day cricket as a team last year I think it's the right decision for a change. Definitely odd timing but better now than into the start of the season.
ReplyDelete