Those were the words of Mickey Arthur, soon after, he signed as Head of Cricket at Derbyshire last winter.
Today on Twitter he welcomed new County signing, Matt Lamb, to that same county of choice, in what is likely to be the first of several signings over the next couple of seasons that will galvanise and transform the club.
Historically, good cricketers don't move from 'big' Test match ground counties to 'little' clubs like Derbyshire. Matt Lamb is a very good, very talented player.
His absence from the Warwickshire side had been noted, though I had put it down to injury, rather than the player's desire to experience pastures new. Let's face it, his average suggests a player of above average talent, while the manner in which he scores his runs is indicative of someone who supporters will enjoy watching.
At 26 he has served his apprenticeship and the Staffordshire-born batsman has a chance to develop his game under the tutelage of one of the game's finest coaches. It may well be that Ian Bell, who worked with the county last year, tipped them off as to the player's unease at Edgbaston, but it is an impressive signing and a statement of intent.
Lamb averaged a shade under 50 in his first team appearances last year, over 40 in List A cricket so far. Such figures are indicative of his talent, but I suspect he has the potential to kick on still further with increased opportunity.
He is also a useful medium pace bowler and no captain can have too many bowling options to choose from. At a time when the club have announced next year's membership rates, it is a timely signing, as well as being an astute one.
If this is what the winter holds in store, then bring it on. There is now additional competition in what is already a strong Derbyshire middle order and, following on from the signing of Zak Chappell, the Mickey Arthur revolution is starting to take shape at the Incora County Ground.
Welcome to Derbyshire, Matt. We look forward to watching you and welcoming you to one of the most friendly clubs on the circuit.
Here he is in action. 6'3 and imposing at the crease, one to watch for sure.
Interesting and positive move, although he is neither an opener nor a spin bowling all rounder, which seem to be the common ground on what we really require. He will though beef up the middle order options, especially when Madsen and Du Plooy are away in the Hundred
ReplyDeleteMaybe Mickey sees Harry Came as an opening option? His technique certainly seemed tighter last year and it would be, perhaps, the next step for him?
DeleteGood signing. I'd recently seen some chatter on twitter that there was a bit of unrest at Warwickshire due to players being pigeonholed in certain formats or being dropped when performing well, with Lamb and Burgess being mentioned in the latter.
ReplyDeleteMorning Peakfan, that is great news. I had seen he may leave Warwickshire and I had him down as my number on pick as an homegrown player. I didn’t think we had any chance to sign him, and assumed he would be off to Notts or Middlesex. Brilliant news and well done Mickey and all the Executive Team. Clay Cross Mark
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of Matt Lamb. He had an excellent season with the bat for Warwickshire, although he only had 11 CC innings. At 26, he will be really keen to push on with his career, and he might even have his sights on an England place. Mickey's obviously told him that he has the opportunity at Derbyshire to fulfil his potential. I can see him scoring big runs.
ReplyDeleteExcellent addition, and a great statement of intent so early on the close season. My remaining shopping list would include an opener a slow left armer who can bat a bit and one more quick to add depth to that department and obgiate the need for loans. The budget may only allow for two of those - I would say the first two are priority.
ReplyDeleteGreat work in signing Matt.
You have to be happy with this signing, an established county cricketer who can score runs and bowl a bit to boot.
ReplyDeleteAnother top overseas player added and I think we can really give it a good shot at promotion next season. Roll on April 2023!