It is wholly unfair to blame the player for going where the money is. As I have written before, this is a short career and if anyone out there says they wouldn't move their job if offered considerably more money for doing so, I don't believe you. We are all, to some extent, motivated by money, enabling us to live our lives and look after our families.
It is a consequence of only offering, or being able to offer, a one-year deal. Unless Masood is set to call time on his international career, there is no guarantee of his availability next year, nor any that he will average, in a wetter summer with greener wickets, what he did for us this year.
But of course we pick him until season end. We are short enough of players as it is and his professionalism will ensure he offers the level of commitment that he has all summer.
It does leave us needing another overseas batsman, of course and I agree another experienced domestic batsman would be an asset. Your guess is as good as mine on the former, but Mickey Arthur would ideally want someone who is available for most of the summer. The captaincy might be a nice carrot to dangle in front of his choice, assuming that player was suitably experienced.
Where does that leave Billy Godleman? I don't think he should be skipper and I remain surprised that a deal for next year was forthcoming, so early this summer. If he stays on he must focus on his batting, but the argument for reaching an agreement on cancelling next year is compelling. Good a servant as he has been, the argument for retention with a season highest of 38 is not strong, this after a below-par 2021.
We must not forget that the players who have signed deals for 2023 will be on improved contracts, nor that our budget is limited. Nice as the thought is that we need X new players, more likely is that we have to be patient. Perhaps the great overhaul comes at the end of next year, when many current contracts are up and Arthur can reshape his squad through natural wastage.
I have seen several people suggesting a move for Staffordshire-born Tom Fell, who has been released by Worcestershire. It holds appeal, as he is a player of undoubted talent, but the fact is that his batting average is the same as his age, 29. Is that enough, even after making allowances for his illnesses?
The next month or so will be crucial to a lot of careers around the circuit. Some of those players will benefit from a change of scenery, but I am not expecting wholesale changes at Derbyshire.
An obvious new overseas batsman, maybe a domestic batsman and another seamer, at most.
Unless, of course, there are potential outgoings we know nothing about at this stage..
If you read through Mickey Arthur’s tweets over the last few months, into June where he said there’s plenty more runs to come from Shan to welcoming him ‘home’ to Derbyshire after the his international tour - its fairly clear he expected Shan to stay for at least one more year. It’s gravely disappointing but we must move on just as we have before.
ReplyDeleteI think Shan’s decision is a real shame. For all this talk of a “new phase” in his career, he is 32 and not sure he is going to get any better. Better, perhaps, to stay with Derbyshire, with a coach who knows and loves you and at a club which, despite being smaller, seems to be a happy place to be. If he does end up at Yorkshire, I hope it works out for him but he might come to regret it. It certainly won’t be as friendly. You don’t change a culture overnight.
ReplyDeletegood pts Michael and Craig ,maybe i am a grumpy old man . but i find it difficult to wish him well this happems far to often to us, we are used to get players back to form who return to their original club eg Sussex or join southern counties and dont like it , or just mature and then move south .i would not pick Shan again .Wayne and Billy know about loyalty!! schadenfreude !
Deletesorry mal
DeleteI didn't see many overly critical comments. Derbyshire fans are for the most part measured, fair and realistic in their Tweets. Compare and contrast with that of our neighbours both North and East, never mind football.
ReplyDeletePrior to this season our top order batting had been in gradual decline and thus remains the case following Masood’s departure . We need 2 opening batsmen as an absolute priority .I’m sure Micky is on the case .
ReplyDelete