It is always sad to see a player leave who has risen through the county ranks, but in contrast to others who have departed over the past ten years or so, I think this is the right move for both player and club.
It is not that long since Sam was playing for and taking wickets with the England Lions. At that point he looked like he was set for a stellar career that could easily culminate in national recognition. Yet over the past two seasons his career has appeared to stagnate, for whatever reasons.
The progression of any cricketer is down to the rapport with a coach and if you speak to any of them they will always cite the influence of someone on their career.
For whatever reason - and this isn't a time or place to go into it - there has been a disconnect with Sam and it looked increasingly likely that there would be a parting of the ways this year.
In 2023 he took 27 wickets in four-day cricket at 45 runs each. It wasn't great and realistically those figures needed to be reversed for a player of his undoubted ability. Yet this season he has never got going and only seven wickets, costing 75 runs each, is indicative of a career seeking a new challenge, new guidance, perhaps greater opportunity.
The pitches at Derby didn't help, but there are at least signs that this issue is being addressed. Certainly the talent is there. When Sam is at his best, running in hard, swinging it with late movement, he is a handful. Yet at this stage of his career, at 25 he is at the crossroads and his next move needed to be the right one. Perhaps Durham will suit him, the two-year deal there having been announced this morning.
He has never been seen as a 20-over bowler but I suspect that he needs to play more cricket to get the rhythm that he needs. Perhaps he needs to look no further than his teammate, Zak Chappell, who has moved onto the next level as a player since moving to Derbyshire, playing more cricket and getting into that all-important rhythm.
I wish him well. He is a lovely lad and has always given his best in the county colours. While not laying claims as a batter, we will remember his support of Fynn Hudson Prentice at Trent Bridge in the epic win there, while he was always a fine fielder in the deep.
For Derbyshire, the challenge will be replacing him, because with a question mark over the future of Nick Potts and with Ben Aitchison having not played all summer, there is now a gaping hole in the seam bowling cupboard.
That is the subject for another article, but for now I would like to wish Sam the very best in his future endeavours.
If Durham can unlock that potential, there is a serious player there.
Sad to see Sam go, but, as you've mentioned, Steve, his career has stalled these past couple of seasons. I seem to recall Jimmy Anderson praising him three years ago. I hope Sam does well at Durham. If he does, he might even get an England call-up one day. He's got the talent.
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