Moore signs new three-year deal

Excellent news from the County Ground this morning, with the announcement that Harry Moore has signed a new three-year deal which takes him to the end of the 2027 season. 

It was always likely that securing the future of our best young star was high on the winter agenda. Harry did really well in his appearances in the one-day cup and in four-day cricket this year, so it is great to see his medium-term future secured with the county. 

It is, however, important that he is a standard bearer and not a stand-alone talent. Looking at the Derbyshire squad over the weekend, he was the only locally-produced player and there are very few counties who will be in that situation. It is imperative that Derbyshire produce their own talent and show that they have more to offer than simply a second opportunity for players who didn't make it at another club. In itself that is valid, but the spend on the Academy needs to be seen to be worthwhile and the signs are that it is starting to hear fruit.

Will Tarrant looks another talented bat to go with Yousaf Bin Naeem, while Jake Green looks to have good possibilities as another seam bowler. How nice it would be if we saw them emerge and eventually take their places in the county eleven? 

Finally for now, ahead of the season review later today or tomorrow, I have been asked by several people how much more recruitment I expect this winter. 

The truth is not a lot. We have lost Matt Lamb and Sam Conners, replacing them with Martin Andersson and, one assumes, Jack Morley. I have no idea of respective salaries, but with Moore and Bin Naeem joining the staff, there wouldn't appear to be a lot of slack in the budget, unless we have buried swag under the media centre. 

The other overseas role has to be confirmed and my preference would be a split, with someone specifically for T20, but I don't see much remaining money, unless there is a major reshuffle.

Nor are there many affordable and good options in the out of contract players around the country. There are few in the list who would walk into a first choice side at Derbyshire, be within our budget or want to come.

As things stand, I amused myself over the weekend by considering a first choice red ball side to start next season, as the squad currently stands. I came up with the following: 

Jewell

Lloyd

Came

Madsen

Guest

Reece

Dal

Andersson

Chappell

Overseas

Morley

Thoughts? Remember, Harry Moore will be at school until June and we don't know yet if Ben Aitchison will be back.

Love to see your teams in due course!