County numbers surface AGAIN..

Isn't it funny how, as soon as they start doing badly, the usual suspects start to blame the English system for national failings. 'We don't need eighteen counties' is the battle cry from Kevin Pietersen, keen to extend the franchises to four - day cricket.

So when England win 50 and 20-over trophies it is fine then?

I don't get this argument that reducing down to eight or ten franchises would make our game stronger. For one thing you are halving the talent pool, and removing the possibility of a player overlooked for franchises developing elsewhere.

Would Ben Aitchison be thriving in the county game, but for Derbyshire? Would Sam Conners be a regular elsewhere? Both could become international bowlers, but they need to play cricket. 

People mention us, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire as targets, forgetting that 'big' counties poach our best talent once developed. Would that happen? I doubt it.. What about the late developers, of which there are many? 

For another thing, the crucial established fan base of the game would be lost. I couldn't care less about England, broadly speaking. I feel no 'connect' with the side and would always watch Derbyshire over them. The likely 5-0 whitewash in the Ashes can be laid squarely at the door of the ECB, not the players. I have watched about thirty minutes of the series, so far. 

The ECB decided to consign the four-day game to the bookends of the season. They promoted 100 - ball cricket to the detriment of the purest form. They ensured that we went into the biggest and oldest international series with next to no relevant practice.They ploughed crazy resources into a tournament few people want. They hand out central contracts, so international players don't need to play cricket..

Part of the issue is that the jump from county to Test is now too big. If international players had to play at least half of their county matches it would be a start. Who gets better at anything by not doing it? Two quality overseas per side helps too - just ask those who plied their trade in the 70s, 80s and 90s, often facing attacks better than international ones. When you had faced Imran Khan and Garth le Roux at Hove, or Clive Rice and Richard Hadlee at Trent Bridge, there were no worries at international level. So too if you could handle Holding, Mortensen, Malcolm, Bishop, Cork and De Freitas at Derby.. there was little much stronger on the international stage. 

Sport is cyclical. Look at the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. They had rich periods of success and they will come again, but they had their poor spells too. 

We have gone from asking Buttler. Bairstow, Malan and others to go from 50 off 20 balls to five-hour tons. It is no surprise that the only consistent player is Joe Root, who rarely plays in the short form.

I think Chris Silverwood will go, but so should Tom Harrison, who I am ashamed to say played for Derbyshire. The organisation needs an overhaul, as quite simply it isn't fit for purpose.

What price, as someone pointed out on the previous post, Mickey Arthur being seen as an option to replace him?

Not that we have seen anything of him yet and I confess to being a little concerned over not just the delay, but the massive silence from the club as to when he will be here.

I would have thought that an obvious PR win to let supporters and members know. 

Unless they don't know, and if that is the case they should tell us why that is. 

Merry Christmas

It is getting to a busy time of year for all of us, so I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas

I will be back before the new year, but I hope you all have the festive period that you wish for. 

Have a great time! 

Congratulations!

Well done to Mark Allen whose name has been pulled from the hat for the autobiography of Tony Pope.

Congratulations also to Mark Beresford and Denis Eardley, who can each select two Derbyshire yearbooks from the list on my previous blog.

If each of the winners could email me with their choice of yearbooks and address, I will get them off as soon as possible.

Mark gets first pick, in the event of both wanting the same year(s), as his name was pulled out first.

Well done to all of you!

And thanks to all blog sponsors.. Competitions will resume in the new year. 

Weekend warmer

Boy, do we need it! Cold and foggy up here today, though a hint of sunshine on the afternoon dog walk suggested that the winter solstice and shortest day in three days time may herald better things to come. 

Shan Masood seems to be scoring runs for fun in Pakistan at present, his 190 today being his third ton in four innings. It also represented 62% of his team's score and Mickey Arthur's subsequent tweet made for good viewing:

Don't worry guys @shani_official is coming to a good home, where he will be backed to the hilt and will make a massive contribution to our new journey.

I don't expect any more signings until the new year, as things are gradually closing down. My guess is that Arthur will arrive in early January and work will crank up then, with new players coming in and players and coach getting to know each other. There are still plenty of out of contract players who may be good options to reinforce a small squad and a few trialists will doubtless arrive. 

We need a wicket-keeper to challenge Brooke Guest and with the rumoured signing of Ben Brown from Sussex, Hampshire appear to have one too many.

They have the talented Lewis McManus and equally able Tom Alsop already, so three of quality does seem a little like overkill. They may play Brown as a specialist batsman, but it may be worth keeping an eye on that situation.

Finally today, I will be doing the draw for the last two months sponsor/subscriber draws on Monday. The first out gets to choose between Tony Pope's fascinating autobiography of his life in cricket and memories of his father Alf and uncle George, or any two Derbyshire yearbooks from 1978, 1983 and 1986-97 inclusive. Second out chooses from what is then left. 

Please email your interest in the prizes to peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk as I would like them to go to those who can fill gaps in their collection, rather than provide duplicates.

Remember this is for blog sponsors only and you can get involved by clicking the 'donate' button viewable on the blog via a PC, laptop or kindle. 

David Smith

It is a sure sign of your own advancing age when your childhood heroes pass. So it is my sadness in todays news of the death of David (DHK) Smith, who played for the County between 1965 and 1970.

Born in Shipley, West Yorkshire, he came from a tough school in the northern leagues and one usually felt that boundaries were grudgingly hit. He slotted smoothly into the lineage of John Kelly, Charlie Lee, Ian Hall and Alan Hill, players who, it might be said, all batted against the sundial, rather than the clock.

Yet every side needs such a player and watching the travails of England in Australia one pines for sound defensive technique, knowledge of the ball to leave and the one to play quietly away. Nudging and nurdling worked well for those players, thirty a session, a hundred by the close if it was their day, making opponents work if it wasn't. 

David Smith had plenty of good days and in the late '60s and 1970 his opening partnership with Peter Gibbs was one of contrasts. Peter was all about classical drives and sound clips off the legs, while David was more functional, substance over style. The two became a sound pairing, paving the way neatly, in my favourite cricket summer of 1970, for the more expansive play of Mike Page and Chris Wilkins. 

He really became established between 1967 and 1970 and scored a thousand runs in three of those four years. There was rarely anything flashy, as it wasn't his way, but his role in the side was clear and he did it very well indeed. His was a wicket seldom given away. 

Edwin Smith told me a lovely story about a typically gritty, unbeaten 91 in 120 overs of graft against Glamorgan at Chesterfield in 1967. The visiting side's batsman, Peter Walker, later a television commentator, was unimpressed and vocal at the lack of aggression, especially when his namesake Edwin later scored an unbeaten 60 in no time, as Derbyshire made 'only' 221-7 declared in their first innings 

Yet the visitors made only 119 all out in 93 overs, Smith and Morgan taking 8-47 between them in 57 overs!  David almost had the last laugh, the visitors hanging on for grim life on the last afternoon, the last pair together when time was called. 

I said rarely flashy, but there was a Sunday game at Ilkeston in 1970, when we were chasing a tricky (in those days) score of 155. Barry Richards had breezed 40-odd, but runs hadn't come easy and visitors Hampshire had three international bowlers in 'Butch' White, Bob Cottam and Derek Shackleton, as well as two wily ones in Peter Sainsbury and Trevor Jesty. 

That afternoon, it didn't matter. Smith slog swept and pulled his way to an exhilarating, swashbuckling 85, as Derbyshire won in a canter with more than ten overs to spare. It was one of those rare days of total domination, Chris Wilkins finishing it in his usual style with a four and six from the only two balls he faced. 

At the end of that season David left the county game, bar for a one-day game in 1971. He played a couple more in the late 1970s for Orange Free State in South Africa, but like a few others at that time, he left the county far too soon, a career outside the game more lucrative and reliable. 

He will be remembered as a friendly man, one with a fund of stories and soundly appreciated by his team mates, as both a dogged, reliable bat and a good slip, as befits a man who kept wicket. 

Rest in Peace, David. You always gave of your best. 

Apologies

Apologies for the lack of communication in recent days, but an urgent trip south took up most of my time.

I haven't yet had chance to do the prize draw among sponsors, but anyone who would like to be in with a chance of a Derbyshire yearbook or two, or a copy of Tony Pope's autobiography, please email me at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk. Tony was son of Alf and nephew of George, with many extraordinary tales of cricket around the globe. 

Remember the draw is for blog sponsors only. 

I would like the prizes to go to those who want them and will offer a range of yearbooks to choose from.

Finally, in the only news of note, Graham van Buuren is staying with Gloucestershire having got his local qualification through.

Our quest for players will continue.. 

Keith Loring

I am sorry that the many things I have going on at present prevented me from noting the passing, last weekend, of Keith Loring, who was well-known to supporters of both Derby County and Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Indeed he was liked and respected wherever he went, a hard-working and conscientious man who was always happy to have a word and had a regular smile on his face.

In eight years as CEO at Derby County he oversaw the move to Pride Park from the Baseball Ground and a promotion to the Premier League. He was later in the same role at Derbyshire, where he saw 1800 seats added to the ground, between 2004 and 2012 and the installation of the marquee.

He was professional and efficient and I was always grateful for his courtesy and prompt answers to any questions I asked in the early years of this blog. 

He was respected throughout the county and beyond and played a very important and appreciated role in the development of its sports teams, big and small.

Rest in Peace, Keith. 

Shan Masood joins as overseas player

Thank you to Mickey Arthur for showing, from the outset, that old-fashioned county cricket overseas recruitment IS possible with knowledge of the world game.

I had mentioned before that Pakistan would be a rich picking-ground for overseas players. How could it not be, as the main sport in a country with a population of over 200 million? Throw in the appeal of these players to the local Pakistani community, now able to see them on their doorstep and the merit is obvious. That's even before considering the many who will tune in to the excellent streams from the county circuit. 

Thus the signing of 32-year old Shan Masood makes very good sense and the side looks immediately stronger. Not least because he can and will play all formats and is available for the entire season.

What's not to like in a solid, experienced left-handed opener who models his game on Alastair Cook, yet averages well over 50 in fifty-over cricket, as well as having a T20 century to his name? He knows our wickets too, having been prolific for Stamford School and then playing for Durham University.

English supporters will know him best for that brilliant 156 against England at Old Trafford in 2020, while 31 career centuries and the captaincy of Multan Sultans in the PSL confirm a rounded, experienced player. Exactly the sort to give ballast to a batting line up that too often misfired last season.

Here he is in blistering T20 form for the Multan Sultans, where he skippered Wayne Madsen. 

If this doesn't whet your appetite ahead of the season, nothing will

Blistering T20 knock

Welcome to Derbyshire, Shan. 

We look forward to welcoming you to a friendly club where your talents will be appreciated.

2022? Bring it on... and we haven't finished yet. 

Book giveaways

I am conscious that my book giveaways have slipped in the last few weeks, post-surgery.

I have a number of highly collectable duplicates from my complete set of Derbyshire yearbooks to give away to blog sponsors, which I aim to do before Christmas. 

To be eligible for this prize, simply sponsor the blog via the 'donate' button in the top left of the screen, which can be viewed on a PC, laptop or kindle.

All support appreciated and I will be drawing three lucky winners next weekend from those who have donated by that stage. You can choose from a number of available volumes. 

Thank you in advance for your support, which encourages me to create content when there are a number of other things competing for my time. 

I am grateful to all of you. Please note you can make a one-off donation, or pay an amount each month. In the absence of a blog sponsor, it encourages me to keep the blog going. 

Thank you. 

Dal deal makes sense for both parties

More good news on the contract front from Derbyshire today, with Anuj Dal signing a one-year deal.

It is one that makes sense from both perspectives. 

Dal has a chance to build on his powerful finish to 2021 and put himself in line for an improved deal next year, or be free to discuss one with other clubs. He has every incentive to do well. 

At the same time, the club and specifically Mickey Arthur can see if that late-season form was evidence of a player who has come to terms with the first-class game, or was just one of those golden spells that most experience from time to time.

The new Head of Cricket HAS to be able to shape the squad as he wants and the deals already given to the likes of Came, Wood, Thomson and McKiernan may or may not have been what he would have chosen to do.

Like all supporters, I hope all four go on to stellar careers in our colours and the deal for McKiernan is for for one year only. The others have two-year deals, as does Alex Hughes, though his record suggests he will offer good value in that time, especially in the one-day game.

There are positive signs from the other three, but their being contracted for two years will limit any team development plans that the new HOC has if they don't.

Here's hoping all kick on in 2022!

Either way, Arthur wraps up his spell in Sri Lanka on Friday and will hopefully arrive in Derbados in the near future. Pre-season work is already underway and I am sure excitement is building among the players.

Finally tonight, news today that the 2022 fixtures will not be out until January is disappointing, but understandable.

With more four-day cricket planned for high summer (Hallelujah!) and grounds for matches around the 'Hindered' to be finalised, there is much to do.

That's before any decision is made on penalties for the recent travails at Yorkshire, which may yet include their being relegated to division two. 

To be honest, that makes sense on purely cricketing grounds. Yorkshire without their international names are an average side, while Nottinghamshire, like them or not, clearly aren't.

They SHOULD, as things stand, walk division two. 

Not being defeatist, just realistic.. 

More from me soon. 

Weekend roundup: a clarification

At the weekend I reported briefly on an article in The Guardian newspaper, which it transpires was neither fully researched nor accurate. 

The Guardian article suggested that 'every first-class county' had been the subject of a complaint on grounds of racism.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has been setup as an independent and confidential body to which anyone who has been involved with cricket at any level - from schools and recreational, to professional and international - can register their experiences and/or concerns. It is not exclusive to county cricket.

I have now read that the figures being reported in the media were speculation only. As a confidential body, the ICEC has not and will not publish details of any specific cases and any figures may or may not be accurate. They also may or may not refer to the first-class game. 

I am happy to publish this clarification in the interests of fairness to all concerned. 

Weekend roundup

Perhaps this week will bring some of the news that Derbyshire supporters have been craving, that of new players coming into the club.

Last week's announcement that George Scrimshaw was staying was welcome, if not exactly a surprise. He was still listed on the club website as being on the staff and since no one had announced him as THEIR new signing, logic suggested he might stay. While he bowled well in a handful of T20 appearances, there was perhaps not enough of them at this stage to start a clamour for his services.

I can confirm that there WAS interest from along the A52, but it was not pursued, for whatever reason.

Mickey Arthur starts his last match in charge of Sri Lanka tomorrow and will hope for a winning finale against the West Indies. I think he will get it and the home side's bowlers (Lasith Embuldeniya is a canny bowler) will be too clever on their home turf.

Off the pitch there were two bits of news that may have passed you by. Apparently every first-class county has been the subject of a complaint to the ECB on grounds of racism, which means that Derbyshire are one of them and they will need to investigate.

It doesn't automatically mean that there have been wrong-doings, but it is another reason why employment and recruitment policies and processes must be robust and thorough. We have made mistakes in the past year and the Tony Palladino case still needs to be resolved, but hopefully we can soon focus more attention on matters on the pitch.

On the upside, an article I saw an article on diversity in county cricket in the Guardian which said:

The Guardian found that of 158 current board members at the 18 first-class counties, according to the counties’ own websites or their most recently published reports or accounts, only 28 are women – less than 18%. Only Derbyshire, who have three women on a nine-person board, have unequivocally met the target, with Lancashire closest to joining them – six of the 16 attendees at their board meetings are women, but only two of eight are full members of the board

Fair play to the club for doing the right thing here. After appointing a good Head of Cricket after a robust interview process, things appear to be moving in the right direction.

Now for some players... 

Team strengthening

There are a surprising amount of good county cricketers still seemingly out of contract as we get to the end of November.

Certainly there are some in the names below whose apparent availability is a surprise, but with Derbyshire in the market for players, a couple of these, maybe more, may hold considerable appeal. Nor should we discount potential signings of players who are still in contract, but want to be playing more senior cricket at this stage of their careers, or be given greater opportunity.

In highlighting the two names below I am not suggesting we are moving for them, nor indeed that they would come to Derbyshire. But nor should we discount the appeal of working with a coach of international renown,  which we now have in Mickey Arthur. That either would enhance our squad is, I think, beyond dispute. 

Danny Lamb

I am a big fan of the aggressive Lancashire all-rounder, a bustling right arm seamer and batsman. At 26 he should have played more than 19 first-class matches, but he always seems to take wickets and is a good enough batsman to have a century and three fifties to his name.

Economical in one-day cricket, might he be the latest from that county to move south, following Luis Reece, Ben Aitchison, Brooke Guest and Mattie McKiernan? Having Karl Krikken up there is no bad thing. There may well be a new deal for him, but is he happy to be merely a bit-part player? 

Paul Walter

The giant (6'7) Essex all rounder is similar to Lamb. 27 years old, he has only played 28 first-class matches but averages over 36, while striking at over 130 in T20.

As a bowler, he hits the deck hard and from that height will always be a handful, even if only offering occasional overs. He might have hoped for more cricket with the retirement of Ryan ten Doeschate, but the arrival of Matt Critchley takes that place. If there is interest, Andre Nel, his former coach and fellow Protea will be able to give Mickey Arthur chapter and verse on his merits.

There are others, like Shane Snater at Essex, Ned Eckersley at Durham and Tom Bailey at Lancashire, but I find it hard to believe they will not be offered and sign new deals. All are fine players with proven track records - indeed Eckersley seems to have amassed much of his career tally against us. 

Our need is for a younger, more affordable back up keeper, I think, with Brooke Guest one of those to shine in a poor 2021 and worthy of being first choice for now. There will be plenty around the circuit who would jump at the chance of fighting for the gloves. 

There are a few spinners around and seemingly available, like Aron Nijjar, Jack Shutt and Amar Virdi, but their career records suggest little major improvement on Alex Thomson and Mattie McKiernan. Maybe greater opportunity could be the making of them all, but our two simply have to play some cricket to find that out and make worthwhile the award of two and one-year deals respectively. . 

Were we to pick up either Lamb or Walter, one of our overseas roles could go to a spinner, or spin bowling all rounder. Sri Lanka have one or two, as do Pakistan and Mickey Arthur will know them all well from his previous roles. 

That would perhaps leave the other role (for four day cricket) ideally going to a top order batsman.

Getting the right man in would make such a difference, as well as giving additional confidence to those whose struggles in 2021 were a puzzle after erstwhile glories.

I suspect, as most counties do, that four and one-day recruitment will differ in personnel. The congested International calendar largely makes it so and fewer players want to condemn themselves to a full English summer. So while we would likely be thrilled at Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan Test skipper, for four - day cricket, we might fancy Wanindu Hasaranga for the T20. Who wouldn't, eh?! 

As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. I should point out I have erred on the side of affordability in the names above, so try to do the same if throwing a few names in the ring! 

Scrimshaw signs new deal

The influx of players for the Arthur revolution began today, with the return of a familiar one in George Scrimshaw, who has signed a two - year deal.

To be fair, most could have been excused for thinking he was on his way, as there have been as many sightings of Lord Lucan as there have been mentions of him on the club's social media accounts since the end of the Vitality Blast.

There was interest from elsewhere, but somewhat sensibly George has opted to cement his future at the club that gave him a chance to resurrect a career that appeared to be gone, when he left Worcestershire after years of injuries.

I think he is wise. Ajmal Shahzad has worked well with him and can get him better still. Until he proves he can last the rigours of a lot of cricket there will always be concerns over his back, BUT when he gets it right he is a potent weapon.

Nottinghamshire and others found that out last year in the Blast, with middle over bowling of pace and hostility suggesting to batsmen that stepping away and wafting was the best approach. There were times he got it wrong and he is not yet a reliable four - day bowler, but the good days suggested he could be a serious bowler in time.

It further reinforces young seam bowling stocks and that he is from our happy hunting grounds of Staffordshire makes the signing more apposite still. 

Working under Mickey Arthur will have been an inducement too, as it will be for others, home and away, this winter.

The T20 World Cup showed the route to success as fast bowlers and leg spin. With the signing of George we have the former.

We await with interest the overseas choices to add to the Mattie McKiernan option.

Welcome back, George. In every sense, big news today... 

Weekend roundup

There will be plenty of Derbyshire supporters pondering who new arrivals may be after Mickey Arthur's interview last week.

I understand he has been looking at options for some time and will have some very clear targets in mind. 

One such player might be Graeme van Buuren. 

Having mentioned the need for a slow left arm option in the attack and support for the batting, van Buuren would be a good option to cover both bases. 

31 years old, he has played his cricket at Gloucestershire since 2016, having started in South Africa with Northerns and the Titans franchise. He didn't get as much cricket as he would have wanted last year, as there have been issues over his eligibility after the end of the Kolpak status.

He must be close to qualifying by residency now, but hasn't yet signed a new deal at the county that has been his home since he starred for Enfield in the Lancashire Leagues.

The downside to a potential signing is that it would be another 'South African signing' for a county that already has a good few.

The upside is that he is a very good cricketer, with a batting average north of 40 and a bowling one just over 30. Last year, in very limited appearances, he averaged over 50 with the bat and took seven wickets at 17. Very much an all-format cricketer, he usually bats five and would be a solid replacement for Matt Critchley.

But there are plenty of others out there. 

To catch up with my postbag, I think that Anuj Dal will stay and a contract will be down to Mickey Arthur to discuss, when he arrives.

He did very well at the end of the season and contributed well in all formats. His next step is to deliver against the stronger opponents, not forgetting that the closing fixtures were played against the weaker ones in the country. He is good enough to do it and will enter 2022 in great confidence.

As for George Scrimshaw, I don't know. I heard that Nottinghamshire offered a deal, but cannot verify that. I also heard that it was subsequently withdrawn, perhaps when they realised they already had about sixteen contracted seamers for next year... 

That may be another one for the new HOC, but there has been no mention of him in months, so perhaps bridges are burned at the Derbyshire end. We will know soon enough. 

Finally today, it was good to see Leus du Plooy in good form in South Africa, making 91 and 85 in his two innings against Easterns for South West Districts. He was batting four, so the solution of one place higher in the batting order remains one of the challenges for Mickey Arthur this year. 

Among those bowling against Leus was my new favourite cricket name, Divan Posthumus, who narrowly edges out his fellow countryman Shadley von Shalkwyk. 

Proper names!

Keep your questions coming and I will answer when I can. 

PS thanks to all those who logged in to read about Mickey Arthur's appointment. There were over three thousand views that day, which just shaded the 2.5 thousand who wished our dog Wallace a happy birthday on Twitter.

Wallace is much better looking than me, though... 

Arthur interview adds to excitement

If excitement in the appointment of Mickey Arthur was high before, it cranked up a little after last night's short interview on BBC Radio Derby with Dave Fletcher.

Thanks to Dean for alerting me to it. 

The interview was at 6.50pm on Radio Derby and Arthur said that he had been 'looking for a project' after living in Asia for five years and in a hotel room for 2.5 years. Aside from the cricket, it offered him a chance to have a home again and doubtless his wife and three daughters will join him here in due course.

Fred Swarbrook and Eddie Barlow were cited as the biggest influences on his career, the latter especially important, his coaching style based on the former county and South African legend. 

He has already been in touch with players at Derbyshire, has watched them on YouTube and expressed surprise that the obvious talent wasn't matched by results. 

He is already working in his new role, alongside his current one and expects our first overseas player to be announced 'in the next couple of weeks' .

It was interesting that he has already identified the need for a left arm spinner, wicket-keeper, top order bat and experienced seamer. Some will doubtless come from county ranks, but I suspect a left arm spinner has to come from overseas, as I can't think of an available one in county cricket.

Two or three in the world game come to mind: Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz in Pakistan would be good all round options, so too Mitchell Santner, but I suggest these with no inside knowledge.

Nawaz, a player just outside the Pakistan squad at present, would benefit from a stint in this country. As a powerful left handed bat and skilled spinner, he would be a huge asset and replace Matt Critchley quite nicely. 

But these are decisions that the Head of Cricket will make. His contacts book must read like a set of encyclopedias and we should go into next season far better equipped than we did the last one. 

There will be a buzz around the Incora County Ground at this appointment. The players will be revitalised and excited at working with a man of such reputation. 

Members, supporters, sponsors and advertisers should respond in similar manner. 

I'm certainly in, reassured that he is in this for a good length spell and already seems ahead in organisation and communication on what we have had of late.

Strap yourselves in. It will be a hell of a ride.

I wonder how long it will be before Sky commentators call us 'Mickey Arthur's Derby'? 

The challenge facing Mickey Arthur

The appointment of Mickey Arthur to the role of Head of Cricket at Derbyshire will undoubtedly be a talking point in cricketing households around the world in coming days.

It is a big appointment for Derbyshire, but also for county cricket.

He is a huge name and I was surprised when I heard that he had applied for the role. My reservations on the previous post may attract comment, but I always consider different perspectives and I feel they are valid. 

He has, however, signed a three - year deal, according to reports from Sri Lanka, so any approach for his services between times would doubtless see Derbyshire compensated. That assuages some of my earlier concerns, when I feared his stay might be little longer than that of an Amazon delivery driver at your door... 

Reports add that his preference was to stay there, adding 'all I wanted from Sri Lanka cricket was an indication that you were happy with how I was doing my job'. Their loss may well turn out our gain. 

Tim Dale Lace, a respected South African cricket writer, told me:

I think he may put you at ease. He played 15 seasons for a very unfancied side and often beat the big guns.

 Also before becoming South Africa coach he coached two teams similar in stature to Derbyshire to a white ball T20 final, as well as a 50 over one. Both teams had at most 2 South African international players

Adding a stint in English County cricket to a CV is never a bad thing and Mickey takes over a club in the doldrums. We were much the same when Eddie Barlow arrived and the only way was then and is now upwards. 

As I wrote last week, he has a free hit in 2022, because he has inherited someone else's squad. Once he gets in post he will quickly identify what he has to work with and will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest from out of contract players seeking a trial.

There must be money available, though finite, so the coming months will be fascinating to watch. So too the season ahead. 

As was the case with Eddie Barlow  in 1976, Mickey inherits a squad that is not without talent. There is a clutch of talented young seam bowlers, as well as a top four that SHOULD be better than their returns last year. While Luis Reece's involvement will be limited, at least in early season, getting the best from Wayne Madsen, Billy Godleman and Leus du Plooy will be key to progress.

All of them will be out of contract at the end of 2022. The new man will look at what they offer and  work out if they remain good value for the club. Wayne and Billy will be the highest earners by some distance, so their returns must be seen to match that outlay.

I suspect he will help them rediscover their best form and will be a welcome boost to other players too. Coming from outside, it will be interesting to see where he goes with the captaincy. 

He will hopefully quickly secure the services of Anuj Dal, before turning attention to the crucial overseas roles.

This will be a challenge, with the perenially-congested international calendar, but he will know plenty of players! I suspect that Pakistan and Sri Lanka may be obvious sources and I wouldn't say no to the hugely talented Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spinning Sri Lankan all rounder, for the T20.

But it is Mickey Arthur's job and I am hopeful and confident that he will do a good one. Much as he did in Sri Lanka, bringing through some talented young players to compete well on the world stage. All the stories I have read suggest him very popular and respected by players, so that augurs well.

So too does the quick response from players on Twitter, Wayne Madsen hailing it 'brilliant news', while both Mikey Cohen and Dusty Melton professed their excitement. 

With local sport in the doldrums, this is a welcome boost and the coming months should offer plenty of food for thought and excitement for Derbyshire supporters. 

Well done too to those who got this over the line. I was doubtful, but am happy to acknowledge a job well done. 

Make sure you check in on the blog on a regular basis for the latest news. And please feel free to donate if you are disposed to doing so. You can use the button on the left of the blog, paying either a one-off amount or a monthly donation.

All of which helps to keep a stylus-wielding, temporarily one-handed blogger motivated and happy! 

Mickey Arthur is new Head of Cricket

I have to say the odds on my writing that kind of headline never crossed my mind when I started writing this blog..

On the face of it, a man who has been coach of South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in turn is a stellar appointment. He has been a success at top level coaching and this is probably a bigger surprise than anything since the appointment of Dean Jones, a quarter of a century ago. 

I have to say I have reservations, so may as well state them at this early stage. Of course I wish him well, as  I want the best for my/your/our club. If he gets us pushing for promotion in four day cricket and out of the T20 group stages then I will be first to applaud and admit I was wrong.

But my concern is his lack of expertise and experience with non-elite players. As I said in a previous piece where I coincidentally mentioned him, the gig is quite different, and only time will tell if he has the requisite skill set. He has 'only' coached at international level for the past sixteen years and will face totally different challenges. Not least a very small Derbyshire squad with only one wicket-keeper, that has just lost its most prolific batsman and lead spinner, as well as a very talented seam bowling all rounder and a well-liked wicket-keeper batsman whose best years were ahead of him. Not to mention a raft of players struggling to establish themselves at this level. 

A bigger issue is whether we are merely a short-term port in a storm. His contract in Sri Lanka ended with the World Cup and the career path of South Africa to Australia, then Derbyshire via Pakistan and Sri Lanka is a curious and unconventional one. I just hope we aren't looking for someone new at this time next year, or earlier, the coach lured by a bigger and more lucrative international role, where his track record would make him a big target. 

Those services won't come cheap, of course, so I also hope a condition of the role isn't that he can take on a coaching role in the new competition mid-season, or head off to one of the franchises in the winter months. I assume we won't have Dominic Cork back for the T20, so his salary will presumably help cover for some of Arthur's costs. 

Derbyshire need (and deserve) a full time coach who knows county cricket and has a network of contacts to attract good overseas players. I am not sure how many county players he will know, but suspect his close friendship with John Morris may prove useful, as will his support coaches. He will know plenty of players overseas, an area of recruitment where I expect to see major improvement. 

He is a very good, well-liked and respected coach of high reputation. If he can bring in the right overseas players and players respond to him, then all well and good. I would love to see him galvanise a relatively young squad and take us forward, use high-class motivational skills and promote/develop the academy products. He would doubtless do a very good interview and impress a panel with a CV of that nature. 

Is he right for Derbyshire?

If it lasts, yes. My only concern is will it be for long enough to make a real difference? 

We will see, but we at least have a Head of Cricket fit for the role. Definitely, by any standards a stellar appointment. 

It goes without saying that I wish him all the luck in the world and he will have my backing, like that of all county supporters.

We will play aggressive cricket under Mickey. In itself, that will make a refreshing change. He starts after the forthcoming Sri Lanka Test series against West Indies and I am sure we will all look forward to seeing if he can bring the sparkle back to Derbyshire cricket.

If we can get three years from him, he may just 'do a Barlow'.. 

Update

Reports online suggest that no decision will be made on the future of Mickey Arthur as Sri Lanka coach until after the end of their Test series against West Indies on December 3.

A faction of their powers that be seem to prefer a Sri Lankan coach, with Roshan Mahanama mentioned in despatches, a man somewhat bizarrely with no coaching experience. 

Arthur will take the West Indies series but what then? That is another three weeks of waiting with, it appears, no guarantee that he would be available at the end of it. 

Those of you attending the Member forum this week (Thursday) may want to ask these questions:

Can we afford to wait until the new year for a new HOC? 

Have we put a deadline in place for an answer? 

What about plan B? Specifically, if in the intervening period, plan B accepts another role? 

What about outstanding contracts, like Anuj Dal? 

Recruitment? Because we need players.. 

Looks like this one will run and run... 

Weekly roundup

My plaster comes off on Monday, I am pleased to say. A splint comes next and in a couple of weeks, physiotherapy, Not been the easiest of times, but getting there, after three weeks.

Which is more than can be said for our Head of Cricket search, which is akin to waiting for Godot. That didn't end in the expected fashion, either.

Someone asked me in the week why I was so concerned over the timescale, and the answer was quick and simple. Because I care and have concerns over our future. 

We are short of players and if we get this appointment wrong may have a second successive summer like the one just ended. Imagine that summer with Hudson-Prentice, Critchley, Hosein and Reece missing and welcome 2022.

We can ill-afford another bad year, but the new HOC, whoever he is, will have a free hit this year. I would still be surprised if it was Mickey Arthur, and for my main concern takes you forward 10-12 months.

This time next year, Wayne Madsen, Billy Godleman and Leus du Plooy are all out of contract. I would like to think that their deals would be sorted in good time, but if we appoint someone who sees us only as a fall back position and is off to pastures new in that timescale, we have major issues. 

Thankfully there are still players out there who are available, but I would be surprised if Ed Moulton returned to the Incora County Ground. He was released by Lancashire this week, but I didn't see enough in him during his loan spell to suggest a longer-term deal.

He is a tidy bowler, but the stock ball appeared to be the in swinger. He seemed some way back behind Messrs Aitchison, Conners and Cohen, while Nick Potts and Dusty Melton will be pushing for game time too.

Maybe this week will bring some news... 

Time waits for no one.. but Derbyshire do.

This might be a contender for one of my shortest blogs, but I have an observation on the delay in appointing to the Head of Cricket role.

They are obviously waiting to see if Mickey Arthur is going to take the job, or if he is going to stay on in his post in Sri Lanka. Or maybe, for all we know, talking to Middlesex about their vacancy. 

Why are we doing this? Why should we be someone's plan B, or fallback position? Were it anything to do with me, there would have been a deadline for the role to be accepted, after which it is offered to the very good (in my opinion better) alternative.

We are looking a bit silly. That could get worse still, if and when we have to readvertise.

We will, if they aren't careful. 

Nuj, George and an overseas source..

Amid the puzzles of our current situation, the status of Anuj Dal and George Scrimshaw are fairly well up there.

After struggling for a fair part of his time with us, things finally clicked for 'Nuj' as the season came to a conclusion. The runs flowed, wickets came, the fielding was as good as ever. The club's PCA representative looked good value for a new contract, perhaps an all round  replacement for the now-departed Matt Critchley, albeit in a different style.

Yet the contract offer didn't come, pre - Houghton departure. I can only assume that the player and club are apart in their valuations for his services, because he had a greater claim to one than others who have been signed, sealed and delivered.

Thus he remains one of a number of county circuit  players out of contract. I would hope he wants to sign and we are now awaiting the new HOC to ratify things, but it is an additional uncertainty at a time when we don't need to look too far to find them.

So too George Scrimshaw, who I understood was talking to other counties after rejecting a deal with us. It is his prerogative, of course, but there was supposedly a multi-year deal on the table, fair for someone with his previous injury record. Will the new HOC ratify that, or has that now been withdrawn?

Anyway, the wait goes on and one assumes that contracts will eventually (shortly?) be flying in and out of the club faster than a Shaheen Afridi thunderbolt.

Quite apposite, as I expect counties to be looking to Pakistan this winter  after their stellar World Cup. 

There was a time, as I grew up, that the likes of Zaheer Abbas, Mushtaq and Sadiq Mohammed, Majid Khan, Imran Khan and Asif Iqbal graced the county game. Later came Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq and Danish Kaneria.

Then it all stopped, bar for the occasional T20 signing. Was it the match-fixing scandal involving the latter, or rumoured contract problems with some players represented by several agents, all wanting their cut? Perhaps a combination of the two, with post - Covid travel also an issue.

I expect that to change. They have looked a superb side in the World Cup, with powerful batsmen, canny spinners and lightning quick bowlers. With a population of over 200 million and cricket THE sport, there are a lot of fine players on the periphery, some of who would qualify to play over here. Nor are they awash with  tours this summer, an added appeal. 

Were I on the marketing side of a first class county, I would be looking to cash in on their huge interest in the game and bring over one or two of those stars to engage the local population whose roots lie in that country. We tried it before with the signings of Indian players, before the IPL put an end to that malarkey. It could well boost crowds and memberships to go down such a route, as besides anything else they are very good cricketers.

It must also be said, as an observation only, that should Anuj Dal leave for pastures new we have no players of BAME background on our staff.

I am not for a minute suggesting that we have been doing anything untoward in recruitment. With an Equalities Officer on the board, that is unlikely. Merely that, with all that is going on with our northern neighbours at present, it is not a good look. 

Hopefully the fine talent emerging from our Academy will help to naturally address this imbalance in time, as the role of bowling coach Ajmal Shahzad does, of course. 

But it is increasingly important that the county side reflects the demographic make up of the community that it represents, as long as recruitment and selection is on merit, not mere tokenism. 

Unease at Arthur appointment

Thank you to Gareth for alerting me to a piece on the Island Cricket Twitter feed today, which said that Mickey Arthur will take charge of the Sri Lankan squad for the two-Test series against West Indies, starting on November 21. The following is taken from the article:

Arthur’s two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ends in the first week of December, but SLC sources said that he and several other members of the support staff whose contracts also end during the same period have been asked to continue till the end of the West Indies Test series. The Test series ends on 3 December.

“We are in the process of evaluating their performances and that would be discussed further with the Technical Advisory Committee before we take a call on it,” stated an SLC source. “We have informed the support staff to continue until the end of the West Indies Test series.”

With regard to the approach made by Derbyshire, SLC sources said that they have only seen media reports about it, but have not heard anything from Arthur.

My concern is that we are prepared to wait until early December and then find out that not only is Arthur's contract extended by Sri Lanka, but option two, a very good coach who will be in demand, also has another role by that stage. Derbyshire are then back to square one and looking for a new coach with only two or three months to the season and large gaps in the squad to fill.

That Sri Lanka seem to know little about our 'approach' is a concern. That there was a two - stage interview that he had to apply for - therefore we never made one - is even more so.

It just seems a bit of a mess, potentially a protracted mess. Even worse, a protracted mess that may end up with the club in yet another pickle and with neither of their preferred candidates available..

If Arthur wants the Derbyshire job, let him take it, now the World Cup is over, or at least confirm he is going to do so.

If not, let's get the alternative in, the players introduced, new ones brought in and the next phase of our history underway.

The club and its supporters deserve that. 

Cat out of bag as name revealed

The Daily Mail has today revealed what I heard a week or two back, that Mickey Arthur has been 'targeted' by Derbyshire for their Head of Cricket role.

Given there has been an interview process for which he had to apply, I am not sure the word is correct. Nor am I sure that this will come to fruition, now it is in the public domain. 

Yet no one can be disappointed by the news, nor will they be with the option, if this results in a new contract for Arthur in Sri Lanka. 

With Middlesex also seeking a replacement for Stuart Law, I will reserve my excitement for down the line, as and when this gets across it.

Sources tell me this should be by the weekend, or we will know it is time for plan B by that stage. 

Just be assured that there is a very good alternative in the wings and that, either way, our club will be in good hands next summer. 

Big task ahead for Head of Cricket

I suspect that it may be at least the end of next week before Derbyshire announce their new Head of Cricket, possibly even longer.

The reason for the delay will become obvious in time, but the successful candidate will need to hit the ground running, whenever he is free to start. 

Derbyshire's staff list on the website only features 17 names. Given that one of these is George Scrimshaw, who has taken on a Lord Lucan quality since the end of the Vitality Blast, we can say it is sixteen. My understanding is that a contract was offered, but declined, as a better one was out there. I am surprised that he hasn't yet signed this, but don't expect him at Derby this winter.

Of the remaining sixteen, Luis Reece may not be fit for the start of the summer, while Nick Potts has barely played. So it is evident that new players are needed.

I still think it ridiculous that Dave Houghton was allowed to recruit - on two year deals in some cases - before he left, but the counter balance to that is had he not, we wouldn't have a side, let alone a squad. The new HOC may come in and be unimpressed, but that is but the first challenge awaiting.

How does he replace our leading run-scorer, Matt Critchley, who was also our lead spinner? I am not convinced yet that Alex Thomson or Mattie McKiernan can take on that latter role, but unless we bring in an overseas spinner, I don't see any better around the circuit.

I do think Tom Wood might be a good replacement at five, but so too would Leus du Plooy, more likely productive there than at three. But who bats three? Wayne Madsen prefers four, so perhaps our four-day overseas picks are a spinner and a number three bat, to rotate with Dustin Melton.

Much will depend on who we can pick up around the circuit, but the 'name' out of contract players have been snapped up. We also need a wicket - keeper, to replace Harvey Hosein, ideally one who can wield the willow. Not to mention at least one more seamer, or seam bowling all rounder, to replace Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Paul Walter at Essex may be a good option, as noted by Essex fan on a previous post, a left-handed all rounder of some talent. His limited chances haven't been improved by Matt Critchley going there, but others will be interested and they have people in post to make decisions.

Overseas players were a disaster last year. It is refreshing to see Leicestershire using analytics to bring in two Afghan players for the T20, based on their statistics and who they were made against. I would love to see us do similar. 

Last year, Stanlake was an accident waiting to happen, while the figures of McDermott tend to show him as a flat track bully, a strong bottom hand and tendency to play away from his body causing bother whenever the ball moves. Van Beek fielded brilliantly, but a tendency to bowl one or two bad balls an over cost him. Rampaul was sadly past it, while Melton was too often injured and will hope to do better and have better fortune this year.

Things to sort, then. Even before realisation dawns that Madsen, Godleman and du Plooy are in the final years of their deals... 

Yet if the new man comes in (and those in the frame are names) with a passion for excellence that lures players in to work with him, and an ability to coax the best from a small squad not without talent, we may see an improved 2022.

But there is much to do 

Critchley leaves for Essex

There has always been, at least for your correspondent, a strong likelihood of Matt Critchley leaving this winter.

He is an intelligent, talented and ambitious lad, who should have gone on the Lions tour this winter. That he did not, after the summer he had, was a disgrace. 

In moving to Essex he follows a path trodden previously by Geoff Miller, and will be closer to where the media are to push his England claims. How much bowling he gets is a moot point, with Harmer and Lawrence already bowling spin there, but he will be playing division one cricket, which is the major factor in his move. 

I am just glad he is not moving down the road to you-know-where, or to Glamorgan, which made no sense from anything but a financial perspective. There will have been other interest, but I suspect he has chosen well.

I wish him all the best. I shall miss his languid class with the bat and his coltish enthusiasm in the field. Most of all that developing leg spin, which helped him give us a genuine and rare three in one player. Not to mention his cheery smile and warm welcome on the occasions we met.

It leaves the new Head of Cricket with a big gap to fill. We have lost our top scoring batsman and lead spinner, not easy boots to step into. They may look overseas to do so, with spin looking comfortably our weaker suit. Can Alex Thomson or Mattie McKiernan step up? Is there someone out there who can deliver those dual roles? Essex have had to pay a fee to release him from his contract, so there is at least money there. 

Anyway, thanks for the memories, Critch.

It was always a pleasure and I wish you well. 

Scottish success offers Derbyshire interest

I have taken a great deal of pride in watching the Scottish cricket team at this World Cup. If you like cricket and live in the country, you have to. 

I know one or two of the squad - indeed Calum MacLeod played hockey for the same club as me - but the Derbyshire connection is strong and may yet get stronger.

Their success as a cricket nation started with the appointment of Grant Bradburn, and Shane Burger has taken things on well. Bradburn gave them a strong team ethic, a never say die attitude and an understanding that all eleven need to be at the top of their game to compete. 

Safyaan Sharif, Ali Evans, Calum MacLeod and Mark Watt all played for Derbyshire, albeit with varying degrees of success. Watt was dispensed with too soon, but seems to have worked hard on his weight, which was likely an issue. That he is a canny spinner is beyond doubt and he is a thinker. Balls from 23/24 yards, from two or three paces, from wider on the crease.. I like his combative edge and if Derbyshire were to lose Matt Critchley this winter  (I remain convinced we will) then he would be a decent pick for T20.

Wicket keeper Matthew Cross might be a decent option too. I liked the way he handled the chase yesterday, assaying nothing stupid, just knocking it around, which is all that was required. His glove work is undemonstrative and he strikes me as a thinker. He had some time at Essex and Nottinghamshire, but may well be a classic late developer. 

With Brooke Guest the only wicket keeper on our staff, the new HOC will look for someone to push him, I suspect. 

Meanwhile counties will doubtless look at Richie Berrington and George Munsey and fancy them in their T20 sides. Both are good batsmen, fine fielders, solid assets. I am not necessarily advocating our need for them - we don't lack explosive batsmen - but the departure of Critchley would leave a gap in the order.

It will be worth watching them as the tournament progresses, but so too leg-spinning all rounder Chris Greaves and off spin counterpart Michael Leask. As players for an associate status cricket nation with British passports, they may well find their talents in demand as summer approaches.

I look forward to seeing how they handle the top level teams they will now face, just as I eagerly await news of our new Head of Cricket. 

Anyway, unless that news breaks in the next few days, I will be quiet for that period. Into hospital at 11am, surgery on my hand at noon and back, with a cast, in the late afternoon. 

I will see you on the other side, when I will get to grips with the voice recognition software again.

Later...

Hosein retires from cricket

Sad news from Derbyshire this morning, with the announcement of the enforced retirement of Harvey Hosein.

Four recent concussions have seen the only logical consequence for the wicket-keeper/batsman. There are far more important things in life than cricket and Harvey will doubtless get support from the club and the Professional Cricketers Association as he forges a new career.

It is a desperate shame for the player and also for the club. He has always been an organised, technically correct batsman, one capable of accumulating steadily, if not usually quickly. Last season he started the year in fine form, his technique solid and his bat seemingly impenetrable. Sadly, the blows on the head that he received have had major consequences and his career has ended prematurely.

As a wicket keeper he was solid, occasionally spectacular. His record haul on debut at The Oval, when he looked slight enough to be collecting autographs, rather than catches, perhaps hindered him subsequently, as high expectations were set for a lad who had been promoted ahead of his time.

Like Tom Poynton before him, he has the time and opportunity to make a new career and, as a bright lad, he will undoubtedly do so.

Like all county supporters I wish him well.

It leaves Derbyshire, a county that at times has had three or four keepers on the books, with only Brooke Guest to call upon. The new Head of Cricket will look at that and decide whether a second keeper is needed, or the money could be better utilised elsewhere in the squad.

With loans fairly easily accessible, both options are very feasible and there will be good options out there if a permanent option is deemed the better one. 

Nice question on the HOC role

I would like to thank a regular contributor to this blog for an interesting question that I received by email today.

'You said you had looked at a lot of coaches, Peakfan and that Grant Bradburn was your pick in a fantasy shortlist.

What if that shortlist included, obviously hypothetically, an international coach or two? For example, wouldn't someone like Justin Langer, Ravi Shastri, Mark Boucher or Mickey Arthur be a better fantasy bet'? 

And I thought I was getting into fantasy land! 

The big appeal for me in Bradburn would be that he has coached, broadly speaking, at Derbyshire level and under budgetary constraints. He has had great success with them in New Zealand and in Scotland, which is a major consideration in appointing to such a role. 

When coaching at an elite level, it is different. In fact, I asked that very question of John Wright in my book, In Their Own Words: Derbyshire Cricketers in Conversation. His reply was:

'The pressures at international level are the hardest, but the main difference is that at county level you are working with players who have a wider spectrum of ability and attitude. That creates challenges and you cannot be ruthless at county level. In international cricket you bring in someone else. At county level you need to be patient and wait for players to realise what they are capable of.

There is also much less technical emphasis in the international arena. The players are the best of the best and so you are more 'hands off' '

John Wright had a spell at Kent before taking over as first New Zealand, then India coach, so he knows his stuff. 

 Of those named, Langer coached Western Australia for several years before taking the Australian job, while Boucher did very well for the Titans in South Africa, winning several trophies. Multi-millionaire Ravi Shastri would never come to England from the role he has, while Arthur had surprisingly little coaching outside the elite level, only a couple of years at Griqualand West before moving to coach South Africa, then Australia and now Sri Lanka. 

Would such people bring an 'elite mentality' to Derbyshire if, theoretically, they opted for a 'quieter' life? Yes, probably, but my concern would be exactly as John Wright said, plus we would likely only be a short-term stepping stone to the next elite role. 

Besides, IF Bradburn came in - and I must stress his resignation from the Pakistan role may be mere coincidence - I remain convinced he would bring that little sprinkle of fairy dust. He knows cricket, cricketers, people and getting the best from them. 

Anyway, fantasies, notions and wild ideas are done. 

By next weekend I expect us to know our new Head of Cricket.

Maybe we are all wide of the mark and we end up with Alan Titchmarsh...

If so, we will know Neil Godrich was on the panel!

Bradburn resignation starts conjecture

I had several messages yesterday about Grant Bradburn, regarding his resignation from his post with the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

I had seen the news early yesterday and like many of you was intrigued. 

Bradburn was in a very senior role, Head of Performance, the capo dei capi in the coaching field in that country. Undoubtedly a senior, very highly paid position. 

Could he, or would he resign that post to come to Derbyshire? Or is the timing coincidental and he has been offered a position elsewhere? 

As I wrote several weeks ago, and have done since, he would be my choice of Head of Cricket. Yet we don't know he has applied, nor that he is in line to be interviewed. 

One would assume that the latter would be a formality, if he did the former and also that he would by far be the best qualified candidate. 

Yet we must not get ahead of ourselves. I understand that we have still to interview some candidates anyway, so even if he was interviewed, an announcement may not be imminent. 

I have been part of a number of interview processes where the successful or preferred candidate was known in advance, but the process had to be followed and those interviews completed. 

IF (note the capital letters) Bradburn applied for the job and IF ( note them again..) he was interviewed, then the likelihood is he will be new Head of Cricket. He is intelligent, articulate, supremely qualified and perfect for the job. 

But we don't know if he has. 

While his potential appointment would be as exciting for me as anyone, I will keep my powder dry until there is an announcement. 

But what an announcement it would be.. 

Back to two divisions in 2022

As we wait for the communication, be it puffs of smoke, semaphore or tweet, that announces the new Head of Cricket at Derbyshire, news comes today of a return to two divisions next season.

It is welcome for me. I like my life and  sport simple and three conferences always struck me as a faff, even if a necessary one in these Covidian times.  I struggled with most of last season after our awful start to it, but the latter section, merely to prove who was best and worst of the worst, was pretty dull fare.

It was ironic, because those celebrating the creation of three conferences said it meant there would be no meaningless games like we used to see in three-day cricket when it was a seventeen or eighteen-team single division. I liked that and far preferred seeing every county and its players in the course of a summer, even when tenth v twelfth didn't matter all that much. 

Now? Leicestershire twice in T20 and four-day, maybe in the RLODC. Same for Nottinghamshire, who must have hoped that the ECB might forget they will be in division two alongside us... 

They must start massive favourites for that division next year, although if we get our Head of Cricket appointment right and recruit good overseas players, we can challenge for the second promotion berth.

But so can most teams and that is the beauty of it. Fixtures will be out in November and there is no one else in the division that, with a good, motivational coach and a sage selection policy, we can't beat.

The two divisions :

Division One

Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Somerset, Surrey, Warwickshire, Yorkshire

Division Two

Derbyshire, Durham, Glamorgan, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Worcestershire.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Indeed, if anyone wants to give me theirs on next season and the new coach (when announced) in an article, do please let me know.

Next Friday I go in to hospital for surgery on my other hand, which I was supposed to have over two years ago. I will be unable to type for two weeks, but will again use voice recognition software, as I did before, if there are breaking stories.

Do please keep your thoughts and comments coming! 

Weekend Blog

Enjoying a nice day off yesterday, I spent a pleasant few hours watching Scotland play Papua New Guinea in a T20 in Dubai. Earlier I had watched Ireland demolished by the United Arab Emirates in another warm up match for the T20 World Cup, but the Scots hold considerable 'Derbyshire' interest.

Ali Evans was bowling, while Calum MacLeod (quaintly called 'Maclee-od' by one commentator) not only saw his team to victory with the bat but bowled a few tight overs of off spin, which slowed their opponents down. He started his career as a handy seamer, but suggestions that his arm wasn't always straight saw it largely go by the wayside.

There was a good finishing knock too from Richie Berrington, who very nearly had a trial with Derbyshire during John Morris' time. I put him in touch with the then Derbyshire coach and a trial was arranged but fell through due to his Scottish commitments.  It was a pity, because he is a decent cricketer and was then in a rich vein of form.

It is always a pleasure to watch George Munsey bat and as someone commented early in the week, he would be a one-day asset to Derbyshire or most sides.

The powerful left-hander led off in typical style and is in a rich vein of form just now. Whether he could fit into a Derbyshire batting line up at full strength is a moot point.

In today's Scotland game against Namibia, both Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif are on display, so there is plenty of Derbyshire interest out there. Only tarnished by a commentator who bellows into the microphone at any activity. Jim Laker, he isn't... 

Much will depend on winter activity at the Incora County Ground, both in the recruitment of the Head of Cricket and any possible departures.

I'd recommend the Free Sports Channel 64 on Freeview. The South African domestic T20 is going just now and there are some fine players on view, our own Leus du Plooy soon to be among them, playing for South Western Districts. 

Congratulations

Well done to Neil Jones, who is the winner of the first sponsors draw for a cricket book over the winter.

A signed copy of Luke Sutton's 'Life of a Sports Agent' will soon be winging its way to Neil's home - can you drop me an email with your address, please Neil?

Many thanks to those who entered and there will be another book up for grabs next month!

If you want to take part, or if you just want to sponsor the blog, please click the 'donate' button, that you will see on the top left hand side of the screen when on a PC or tablet. 

Fantasy short list

I always like it when a question posed in an email generates thoughts worthy of an article.

So it is that today I give you my fantasy five-man short list of people who I would love to have applied for the Derbyshire job. I have no idea if they have, but these five would give the board some fascinating interviews and provide a heady mix of experience. Thanks to an old friend for providing the stimulus for it!

Ian Bell

I think he wants to get in to coaching, so why not with a challenge? On the up side, his name would generate interest. On the down side, he has no background in coaching but has recent playing experience. Can he motivate people? 

Karl Krikken

The coach with the best record in recent history. Would he leave a role at Lancashire where he is settled? Would he go back to a club that sacked him? He is good with young players, both spotting and developing them. 

Mark Alleyne

Back working with Gloucestershire and a man with a fine track record as player, captain and coach. Yet not given a role in the game for a few years, for some reason. That he would be a canny coach is beyond doubt, that his tactics would be sharp is too. Could he get the best from a group of players not without talent? Would he capture media attention?

Simon Katich

Knows Derbyshire, knows the English game, but likely to be part of the 100 in some capacity and while the concept is appealing, the conflict of interest would be an issue. An overseas coach might be the way to go if he could cover the bases of the job description and offer knowledge of the county and world game. 

Grant Bradburn

For me - and I have spent a lot of time in recent months studying potential coaches around the world - he would be 'the man' . 

The question mark is if he would be remotely interested in Derbyshire. He has a senior role, Head of Performance in coaching the top coaches in Pakistan. 

His career and reputation has been made in improving the fortunes of clubs and countries that were minnows.  He did it in New Zealand, in Fiji and in Scotland. 

I would be astonished were he to apply, but this is a fantasy list and I have read that he is away from his family in Pakistan, which must be a strain. He is also known to John Wright, who brought him to the county for a few weeks to work on the T20, with success. 

That is my top five fantasy list. If any one of those applied they would be a stand out, bringing new ideas, voice and tactics to the club. 

If they all applied? You couldn't go past Bradburn. Living in Scotland, I saw what he did for the cricket team and its media profile up here. The players both respected  and responded to him. They beat England, claimed several other notable scalps and became more professional. He is a thinker, a strategist, a tactician, but most of all a motivator who gets the best from people. 

We can all dream, right?

And if you have ideas for other articles over the winter, please drop me an email or DM on Twitter. 

Landmark weekend and deadline passes

 Been a busy old week chez Peakfan, with my birthday among other things that have kept me busy.

It is also a landmark weekend, with the blog going past 2.75 million views and interest continuing. Thank you so much to all those who check in, wherever you are in the world.

Yesterday was the closing date for applications for the Head of Cricket role, so we are fast approaching a defining moment for Derbyshire cricket.

I think they will want to interview as soon as possible, so my expectation is that the successful candidate will be announced inside the next fortnight, so he can get on with the job of improving our fortunes in 2022.

With John Sadler already taking the Northamptonshire role, it is the only one on the county circuit at present. A challenge, for sure, but one that a lot of people should fancy. We just need someone brave enough to make big decisions, intelligent enough to strategise the club's future and cricket-savvy to make our game more aggressive. Throw in the need for motivational skills and good contacts and the need for someone special is clear.

Fingers crossed we get such a man.

In closing,  there are just over 24 hours to put your name in the hat for a signed copy of Luke Sutton's excellent book 'Life of a cricket agent'

It is open to anyone who has so far sponsored the blog, so if you have done so AND would like the book, please drop me an email to peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk

If you haven't yet donated, please feel free to click the 'donate' button that is visible on your PC or tablet, in the top left hand corner.

I look forward to announcing the winner in the coming week.

Good luck!

Three re-sign as Priestley leaves

I didn't have time earlier in the week to comment on the contracts awarded at Derbyshire, but I have a few minutes now.

I have no real issue with the award of two year contracts to Alex Hughes and Tom Wood, nor the one-year one to Mattie McKiernan. It was something of an inevitability for the latter two, after the awards they won at the club's annual dinner last weekend.

With Wood having been 'poster boy' for the club Twitter feed in recent weeks, it would have looked pretty silly to then announce his release. His century against Nottinghamshire will live long in the collective memory and his power and  stroke play in one day cricket will prove a potent weapon.

He has work to do on his technique for the four-day game and the defence isn't as secure as it could be, but the talent is there for the new Head of Cricket to work on. 

Similarly, McKiernan was voted Second XI player of the year, so to then announce his departure would have made the club a laughing stock.

I like him as a cricketer, but he needs to make the most of his opportunities next year under a new Head of Cricket. He also needs to be given more at senior level, because his bowling seems to be seen as a 'last resort'. I think it is better than that and perhaps he, like Anuj Dal, could benefit from greater responsibility.

Long time readers will know I am a big fan of Alex Hughes  and so I am pleased to see him get a new deal. Coming in from left field, he will be a strong contender for the captaincy if they don't look to Matt Critchley, certainly in the one-day games. A change is needed, in my opinion, with fresh eyes and enthusiasm. 

Yet my concern is that Dave Houghton has made, or been allowed to make, decisions on contracts when he won't be at the club.

Unless the new Head of Cricket is to be given a pot of money as yet undeclared, he looks set to go with the same squad for next year, as he has been presented with a fait accompli.

I just find it very odd. So whoever comes in cannot be fairly judged next year, unless he turns us into a mid-table side, because there would appear to be only money for the overseas players.

It makes the appointment of the right man absolutely critical, because we desperately need someone with a track record of motivation, capable of getting the best from what we have.

Nils Priestley won't be part of the new regime, his release having been announced yesterday.

A talented cricketer, capable of useful left arm spin and clean hitting, his development was not sufficient, at this stage, to earn a new deal.

It could come again, if he goes away and works on his game, or his future could be outside cricket.

Either way, I wish him well. 

Questions on the Head of Cricket role

I have had a few people drop me emails with regard to the Head of Cricket role and I thought I would respond to those questions on the blog, as they have recurred.

Do I think anyone internally will apply and do I think they might be options?

They are always options, but in an ideal world where we get interest of good standard from outside the club, my preference would be for a new broom. The squad needs a dispassionate look from outside, at players, performance and salaries. Are we getting the maximum bang for our buck from senior players on major salaries? 

In setting up the Academy and Pathway, Dave Houghton did a good job. We look to have some talented players coming through the age groups and I think they have the right man in charge with Daryn Smit. Especially since he will be focusing his weekends now on watching them and/or playing locally, which I would have thought a key element of the role.

There he can see the young talent in match situations and hopefully help them progress with sage advice.

I don't think this is the time for him to get the top job, but don't think Mal Loye or Ajmal Shahzad are either. The former was overlooked when Houghton got the job and I am not convinced he is the right 'fit' for that role. I also think Shahzad is doing a good job with the young bowlers and might be an option down the line, but not just yet.

Ian Bell is understood to be looking for a coaching role. Is he a possibility? 

Yes, though I have no idea what his abilities as a coach may be. Is he a motivator? His name would create interest, for sure, but that isn't the same as turning around our fortunes. He will know a lot of players, has very recent experience and MIGHT prove a decent wildcard pick. 

Do you seriously think Grant Bradburn would leave a role in Pakistan for Derbyshire? 

Why not? Did anyone really think Eddie Barlow would come here, or Dean Jones? I know people in Scotland were surprised when he took that role but he led them to memorable wins and heightened standards. 

Pakistan and its cricket is always in a state of flux and he strikes me as a man who likes a challenge. Were I on the board, I would take the initiative and approach him. 

What about Wayne Madsen as an option? 

Possibly, at some point. Though our greater need for now is his batting. It is not sustainable to be player/coach and only Mark Alleyne ever managed that with success. I think Wayne is too young to pack in as a player and has a couple more good years in him with the right man at the helm. 

Why are you against Chris Adams? 

I never said I was! I just don't think the Derbyshire way of appointing our former players is the right way. Chris is a strong man and good coach, but my impression of his methods is that they are similar to John Morris and Kim Barnett, neither of which ended well (sadly). 

When will this be sorted? 

Closing date is October 1 and I expect them to want to interview soon afterwards. There are contracts to renew or otherwise, overseas players to sign and memberships /sponsorships to sell. 

The sooner we have someone in place the better, for all concerned. 

Season review

With due respect to all involved, I have never been so disillusioned as I was this year in watching Derbyshire. While there were green shoots of promise and it ended with a win, for the most part it was depressing fare. The early 1970s were bad, but we still had Lawrence Rowe, Venkat, Ward, Hendrick and Taylor, even when results weren't there. 

The main problem was a batting line up that struggled all summer. I am discounting the run fest down at Hove in the final match, as the opposition bowling was inexperienced to a man, but too many times the batting collapsed like a pack of cards, leaving our own young attack little to work with.

Billy Godleman looked jaded for much of the summer, endured an awful Blast which did no favours for the coach who kept picking him and returned to an approximation of his best only in the season's closing weeks. I would see him as a wily senior pro next year and hope that a change of captaincy will allow him to focus on his batting in four-day and 50-over cricket. 

Luis Reece struggled manfully with injuries to his shoulder and knee, both requiring winter surgery, but his game was badly affected. Only in the Vitality Blast did he show his real class and we must hope that he returns to his best form next year. I would love to see the new Head of Cricket be fair with a move down the order in four-day cricket, as the current work load is colossal and may shorten his career. 

Leus du Plooy was another who kept his best for the Vitality Blast. He plays on a different level to most at his peak, but too often this summer lapsed to a level of mediocrity that was hard to fathom. Capable of destroying the best of attacks, his hesitant starts in the longer form were painful to watch and eight ducks show where he needs to improve. 

Wayne Madsen missed too much of the season for comfort, after tearing his hamstring at the start of the Blast. His absence stymied any chance of our success in that competition, as even in the later years of his career he remains the side's best player, the wicket most wanted by opponents. He remained a safe slip, though his bowling was rarely seen. Again, we must hope he returns to something closer to his best under a new coach, as the thought of Derbyshire sans Madsen is hard to think about. 

Matt Critchley had a terrific season. He started the summer in sparkling form, tailed off mid-season but came back to form to reach his thousand runs in the last match. His bowling, in the time honoured method of leg spin, could be devastating or expensive, but his potential loss this winter would be a huge blow. The appointment of a good coach could yet kick him on to another level, but Critch may see his future elsewhere. I hope not, as his languid style and infectious enthusiasm are a joy to watch. 

Tom Wood at last had his chance after years in the wings. A brilliant century against Nottinghamshire in the RLODC showed what he could do, while his belated introduction to the Blast side saw him finish top of the averages. Yet in the longer form he looked ponderous in footwork and loose in defence. Worth a one-day contract, perhaps, but that may not be enough for him and the jury remains out on his four-day future. An average under ten isn't a strong argument. 

Harry Came was signed after a couple of second team innings and can certainly hit a ball. The question is whether  his propensity to play across his front pad and away from his body will allow him to do it for long enough against good bowlers and red balls. He has two years to show what he can do and if he can temper his aggression with a little more nous might prove a handy player. 

Alex Hughes had a tough year, missing matches with injury and seemingly deemed a bloke to run around the outfield at other times. I don't think his being used as a night watchman at Chelmsford did him any favours and was an insult to a player who has batted his best at number three. He remains an early pick in my one - day side and should have been skipper before now. Will there be a new contract? I hope so, but sadly the figures don't stack up this year for a committed and gutsy cricketer. 

Anuj Dal was written off by many by the time August arrived, myself included. It is to his great credit that he was the side's most reliable player in the closing weeks, suddenly realising he could both score runs and take wickets at this level. We all know he is a wonderful fielder but if he can carry that form through, we may just have found a good all-rounder in a time of adversity. He is a joy to watch, has a ready smile and an obvious enjoyment of what he does. A new contract seems  certain and deservedly so. 

Brooke Guest made a positive impression on most. While the weight of runs to fully  back the claim wasn't there, he looked an organised player with plenty of time. His century against Leicestershire will do him good, while his wicket keeping was generally tidy and improved with a guaranteed slot. He looks a good bet for a long county career. 

Harvey Hosein batted very well in early season and seemed to have sorted his early innings foot movement issue, one that used to see him a prime candidate for lbw. I would prefer to see him up the order a little, as he isn't a player who can cut loose when batting with the tail. I just hope two late season concussions haven't impaired his confidence. Steady, if not spectacular with the gloves, the battle for the wicket - keeper role will be fascinating. 

Ben Aitchison finished top of the bowling averages, took the most wickets and deservedly so. He looks set for a long county career, though is a greater force in four-day cricket at this stage. A good work horse, he forms a nice pairing with Sam Conners and they offer considerable potential to the new HOC. He bowls with good rhythm and is also a safe slip fielder, while I suspect the batting could develop too. 

Sam Conners is always a threat with a new ball but needs to build himself up so he can stay fit throughout the season. I had the feeling that he was less of a threat in his later spells and will need to prove he can bowl three or four spells a day of equal menace. If he can, he will be a fine bowler, as the basics are all in place. He and Aitchison could be very special together. 

Mikey Cohen was also improved, before the latest back injury of his career ended his season early. He might need to modify his action, as he seems to come down hard on his right side, which is likely where he has the problem. If that doesn't make him less effective he is another with long-term potential, because he has genuine pace which was better directed than before. 

Dusty Melton was badly affected by injury and will need a big, fit season next year to convince the new HOC of his long term merit. When he does play, his pace and aggression are great to see, but that will need to be seen more often than we have so far. Filling one of the crucial overseas berths, he has to step up on a regular basis. The talent and pace are there to do so. 

I like Mattie McKiernan as a player, but I am not convinced he is more than a bits and pieces man at this level. Tidy with bat and ball, excellent in the field, but is that enough? He lacked opportunity, but didn't really grasp the limited ones that he got. 

Alex Thomson arrived mid-season and is similar to McKiernan. I am not currently sure if he has what it takes to bowl sides out, while his batting looks useful, but no more than that. He has two years to prove me wrong and I hope he does, because we have long needed a decent off spinner. I am just not sure how much cricket he will get, to be honest and like Harry Came, two years to show what he could do seemed excessive to many supporters. 

I don't expect to see George Scrimshaw again in our colours. He had some good Vitality Blast matches, but turned down a deal in favour of one elsewhere. Good luck to him, but Derbyshire gave him a chance to  get back into county cricket and one would hope that counted for something. 

Fynn Hudson-Prentice will be missed and made a big impression on supporters. Very much an impact player and capable of impressing with bat and ball, he was the sort of player we really need to retain to progress. I wish a whole-hearted player and lovely lad the very best. 

Overseas players? I might as well put them together as they barely featured. Billy Stanlake was a huge mistake, an accident waiting to happen, while Ben McDermott didn't look to have the technique for wickets that do anything. Dusty Melton barely played, while Logan van Beek took wickets but was simply too expensive in the Blast. Ravi Rampaul returned for the RLODC but looked to be past his best days. 

The failure of those selections was a major contribution to the departure of Dave Houghton. Good overseas input can mask deficiencies elsewhere, but we had next to none this year. 

The Head of Cricket made poor and questionable selections, showed limited ability to motivate and frustrated supporters with anodyne post match comments which blamed all but Uncle Tom Cobbly. 

After all, he recruited most of the players he was slating. He insulted Alex Hughes at Chelmsford and Harvey Hosein to a members forum. As Head of Cricket it was his job to know what the issue was with a batting line up that never functioned, his comments of 'I can't put my finger on it' being of no value to anyone and rather an embarrassment. 

Furthermore, he released Tony Palladino. There was one more summer at least in the loyal seamer, whose input on challenging days would have made a difference. Look around the circuit to the clubs that had that experienced bowler and the difference that it made. 

Like every other supporter, I am aware of the financial challenges at the county. That means that recruitment has to be especially canny and with a handful of exceptions, his wasn't. It also means that you work with and strive to get the best from what you have - and he didn't. 

His replacement is worth waiting for and spending money on. We previously took an easy option and appointed a man 'on the doorstep' who wouldn't cost relocation expenses and could start immediately. 

We cannot do that again. 

Whoever comes through the recruitment process this time has to come through a robust and thorough one that finds the best man for the job. I have said before that the dream appointment would be Grant Bradburn, who has made his reputation on developing players and teams where money was an issue. Mark Alleyne would be another good option, a strong strategist like Bradburn and also capable of getting the best from people. 

2022 can be better, even if we don't have much money to spend. That Dave Houghton was bizarrely allowed to recruit  for the year still puzzles me. 

There are good players at the club who the right coach could mould into a competitive team. But in my message to the board, PLEASE don't pick a guy who used to play for Derbyshire simply because you know them. 

If he turns out to be the best option, so be it, but let's be ambitious, brave and innovative in our appointment. 

2021 was a summer to forget. 

2022 can be one when the club starts to rise again.