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'?
Should be exciting for you despite your preference for Bradburn PF. Were you aware GB had applied when you were bigging him up since DH quit? I sense with your Scotland links you may know him?
ReplyDeleteArthur was interviewed for the Essex job when Grayson was finally sacked a few years ago, and we were all dissapointed that Silverwood got it ahead of him, but we were made to eat those opinions!
Will be interesting and hope he turns you around. I hope he doesn't bring in anymore passport of convenience questionable ability players (from his Southern Africa contacts) though (not sure of correct term now Kolpacks are dead) to fill your gaps, rather see prospects from your academy fill some holes.
Re. left arm spinner. Aaron Nijjar is out of contract at Essex still. You will remember him from t20 finals day.
Could find his opportunities limited even more so at Essex now Critch is joined.
A capable bat too, but never had a run in the 4 day side due to Harmer. I'd take a punt on him if i were you.
Essex Fan
Hi Essex fan. No, never met GB but became aware he had applied from a contact. This was after I had suggested we move for him.
DeleteAs I said before, my 'concerns' re MA were that it was merely a stopgap, but it appears he doesn't see us that way, which is great.
I don't think there will be any SA signings, unless on overseas deals, as we have enough with Cohen, du Plooy, Melton(albeit overseas) Madsen now long-since English qualified.
We may look to Essex though. I am sure Nel and Arthur are close and if Nijjar, maybe Walter, are options he will alert Mickey.
Certainly need a keeper too, and you suggested you had a couple of good options...
Will Melton not soon be a non-overseas player?
DeleteI thought we kept him last year on this contract as it would allow him to then meet the time requirements to apply for citizenship?
Ah ok.
DeleteMichael Pepper is one who has recently signed a new deal, Will Buttleman is the other (who played T20, and is imo less of a prospect but rated more highly at the club i think. He's the one who poured beer on Feroze Khushi in the BWT celebration win, so maybe steer clear...that said if both saty at Essex we already have Wheater, so a loan move would suit one, and perhaps Buttleman could be tempted to leave. Keeping wise ok, batting could be good.
Still no news on Walter contract either. Or Sir Cook more worryingly.
Essex fan
Melton was supposed to qualify last year but it may be he didn't play enough cricket to complete his qualification.
DeleteSo he has an overseas role again this year and SHOULD qualify by residence this year, and be free to play as a local in 2023, if he does well
Like the glint in MA's eyes PF....he looks well up for a crack at Derbyshire. I just hope DCCC back him up with the finances to give him a sporting chance. After last years abysmal showing at least a flicker of hope is returning.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Zafar Gohar who represented Gloucestershire at the end of last season. Slow left arm from Pakistan. Possibly Jonny Tattersall who went out on loan at times last season from Yorkshire & used to play for our 2nd’s.
ReplyDeleteOptions Dean, but Tattersall is contracted until the end of 2023 and would likely only be a loan option
DeleteLiking it a lot that we look like we're going to be active in recruitment this winter. Hopefully some quality can be bought in and we can all look forward to some quality cricket come April
ReplyDeleteNice praise by the Sri lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne of Mickey Arthur."we are sad to say goodbye to the most hardworking and supportive coach i have ever met."
ReplyDelete"Mickey's a different kind of coach, he's someone who builds a lot of confidence, it's your mental side and your preparation that's important. Mickey treats each player differently"
He has a busy 3-4 months coming up.