There must be a good mood down at the 3aaa County Ground right now.
Third in the T20 group, top of the Royal London One-Day Cup group - hey, we've not known days like this for some time. The trials and tribulations of four-day form are but distant memories, as the team has gelled really well.
Assuming we get back onto the field, there is Warwickshire to play on Wednesday and if we could win that and one more game we will have a good shout of the knock our phase. There will be twists and turns along the way, but we are doing alright just now. Even better is the news that Wes Durston is close to fitness and may play a part this week, which adds to John Sadler's options and makes the selection of his best eleven even more of a challenge.
I think John has done well since stepping up to the new role. He handles the media stuff well and is articulate and knowledgeable, as well as confident. Irrespective of the decision made by the board this week, I'm happy to go on record and say that he has earned the right to take the role to the end of the season at least.
Let's face it, we're unbeaten under his tenure and you cannot ask for better than that. My suggestion is to leave things be, see how John handles the job and its various demands until the end of the season, then advertise it and see how things pan out.
As I have said before, while the top level experience isn't there, the qualifications are and he doesn't have the 'baggage' that goes with older coaches with 'scars' on the CV. End of season, when we can review everything and have time to perhaps re-scope the job specification and structure is the right and proper time to do it.
John will be a strong candidate, irrespective of who else is in for the job.
Anyway, in closing, thanks to those who have reviewed so positively on Amazon my book on Derbyshire cricket, 'In Their Own Words'. There will be a launch in Chesterfield Library on July 11, which looks like being attended by several of the featured players and would appear to be a great opportunity to get a few autographs for your copy, either bought on the night or beforehand.
More on that this week, and on the other launch at Elvaston CC on July 15, which also features the quite wonderful Edwin Smith and may also see special guests...
Copies of the book will be on sale at both events and you can also buy it from Amazon, Waterstones and all good booksellers.
Thanks for your support - and I'll be back tomorrow!
I echo your comments on John Sadler, I am all for young coaches getting a shot and although sterner tests will come he seems to have restored confidence in the squad. He has done well with the seconds, some good work with the batters and is by all accounts a very approachable man so he deserves his chance.
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